The Kidd here...
Just the title of CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER alone is enough to give you a pretty good idea of the story Marvel is looking to tell with the sequel (at least to anyone who is familiar with the Winter Solder's place in Captain America canon). But based on some rumors that have been making the rounds lately, we may now have a solid idea of at least one other Marvel character being introduced into the mix for the Cap's follow-up solo.
Over the weekend, comedy talk radio host Matthew Aaron tweeted the following: "Have it on reliable authority that Frank Grillo is THIS CLOSE to getting the role of Crossbones in the Marvel movies."
That prompted Grillo to respond to the speculation that was building amongst fans with this since deleted tweet: "See Ya LA. It was a a good trip. Marvel was a lot of fun. Be cool if it works out. #CaptainAmerica."
Clearly Marvel wasn't happy about these details being unveiled to the public just yet, but it serves as confirmation that Crossbones will be a part of the Marvel Movie Universe as of CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER.
Who is Crossbones? Brock Rumlow is a supervillain who was seen as a henchman for Red Skull. He also later carried out the assassination of Captain America, although I don't see that story being told just yet. As for his connection to the Winter Soldier though... that's where things get interesting.
During the "Civil War" arc, Crossbones shot Captain America in the shoulder, only to be pursued by Falcon (Anthony Mackie in the coming film) and the Winter Soldier. The Winter Soldier then beat him into unconsciousness before he was turned over to the custody of S.H.I.E.L.D., so could it be possible that Crossbones' involvement as a villain in CAPTAIN AMERICA 2 could be the trigger to turn the Winter Soldier back to the heroic side of the equation? We shall soon find out.
Hopefully, Marvel doesn't hold Grillo's chattiness against him, as we've been seeing him doing some seriously fine work lately, especially since his supporting role in WARRIOR. THE GREY, END OF WATCH... he's a part of ZERO DARK THIRTY coming up later this year and then GANGSTER SQUAD... and he's still involved in Joe Carnahan's DEATH WISH. Grillo's been on the rise for awhile, and Marvel would be wise to reel him in for Crossbones. I'd love to see him play a straight villain at this point, and I think he'd be a worthy addition to the Marvel Movie Universe. THE GREY solidified him as a guy that bears watching, regardless of what he's in.
-Billy Donnelly
"The Infamous Billy The Kidd"
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