Sorry Creature Commandos fans, Ron Perlman and James Gunn may be fond of each other’s works but the Hellboy actor has not been approached by DC Studios for a role in the Suicide Squad-Esque animated series. The Superman: Legacy director shattered a baseless rumor which also prompted a response from Perlman.
With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 inching closer to its release – Gunn has been multitasking on social media, promoting his last MCU film while addressing DC Studios-related news. On Thursday, the full cast for Creature Commandos was unveiled and the DC Studios chief was quick to address some fan queries regarding the first DCU project lined up for release before the Man of Steel reboot.
Frank Grillo was confirmed to play Rick Flag Sr., as earlier speculated – David Harbour as Erick Frankenstein, Indira Varma as The Bride, GOTG’s Sean Gunn as G. I. Robot, Maria Bakalova as Princess Ilana Rostovic, Zoe Chao as Nina Mazursky, Alan Tudyk as Dr. Phosphorus and Steve Agee as John Economos, last appearing the Shazam! Fury of the Gods cameo.
The only name missing on the Creature Commandos cast list was Ron Perlman. The 73-year-old actor’s presence at the Shazam 2 premiere in Lost Angeles, where Grillo was also spotted – led to speculations that Perlman was part of the DCU animated show.
James Gunn talks live-action plans for Creature Commandos
While Gunn said Perlman, “is an actor I love”, he added there was never even a discussion with the actor for Creature Commandos. Perlman also responded to Gunn’s tweet to say, “Right back atcha JG!”.
Creature Commandos will be the first DCU project to release from Chapter 1. But the story is also expected to forge ahead as a live-action too. Speaking of, Gunn revealed only “some of them” are part of the live-action plans.
Ron Perlman is an actor I love but he isn’t on the show and he and I never even talked about him being on the show. It might be better if folks stopped believing rumors. If it doesn’t come from me or DC, it’s not to be believed.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 12, 2023
Right back atcha JG! https://t.co/4wgcDXkZZm
— Ron Perlman (@perlmutations) April 13, 2023
Fantastic cast!
One thing I’m curious is, what makes the creature Commandoes different from the Suicide Squad?
— Nathaniel Leigh (@NathanielLeigh1) April 12, 2023
They are monsters.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 12, 2023
Is Ilana Rostovic a new character? I'm not finding who she is in the comics anywhere
— André Miguel Santos 🍥 (@andre_carrasq) April 12, 2023
Yeah she’s new.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 12, 2023
I’ve written all the episodes. I’m directing all of the primary actors initial recordings to get the voices right but I’m not the director of the show.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 12, 2023
The inclusion of John Economos and Rick Flag Sr. almost gives it a Task Force X feel to the Creature Commandos ensemble. One fan also quizzed Gunn on how this team-up would differ from The Suicide Squad. To which the filmmaker replied, “They are monsters”.
it is certainly a good distinction since Waller’s Suicide Squad was made up of super-powered human villains except for King Shark and Killer Croc. It will be interesting to see the supernatural exploration in the DCU since the fandom has been keen on seeing the mystical stories of the comic universe on the big screen like Justice League Dark.
The animated monsters ensemble flick is introducing a character called Ilana Rostovic too. The name would not ring a bell to even the DC Comics pundit since it is a new character written by Gunn.
The animated series does not have a director onboard yet. But James will only be directing the main cast’s initial voice recording to get their tone right.
Creature Commandos is yet to receive a premiere date.
