The DC Universe has its first Thanos-level villain thanks to the surprising way the franchise has set up one character. With the DC Universe timeline needing to build a new path for DC’s film landscape following the ending of the DCEU, it’s easy to understand why the DCU’s first releases seem to connect so closely in so many regards, since the franchise has to build firm foundations for the rebooted universe.
This early focus on interconnectivity has meant we’ve gotten to see not inconsiderable character arcs from more than one figure in the DCU already, despite the franchise having only released a few installments in its time thus far. Interestingly enough, between the projects that have debuted and the ones on the horizon, the DCU’s first Thanos-level villain in terms of story already appears clear, even if said candidate is a surprising one.
The DC Universe’s Current Release Roster Focuses Around One Unexpected Central Character
Rick Flag Sr looking off into the distance in Superman
While Superman led the DCU’s first flagship movie release, the trajectory of the franchise has put focus on a different character, by ensuring that in every DC Universe release so far, they’re either a central figure, or otherwise involved in key plot developments. Somewhat surprisingly, said character is none other than Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr.
Flag Sr. first appeared as a canonical DCU character in Creature Commandos, wherein he had a lead role, before being a core part of the developments in Superman thanks to his involvement in the Man of Steel’s arrest, which showcases his importance in the fictional US’ decision-making.
Peacemaker season 2’s ending cements Flag’s significance in the DCU by unveiling his plan to send the world’s metahumans – and the unfortunate Peacemaker himself – into a dangerous alternate dimension, effectively imprisoning them. With Rick Flag Sr. being the main person shown as overseeing this scheme, it’s clear he’s set to remain a central figure for the DCU going forward, too.
Now that Frank Grillo has appeared to confirm he’s a part of Man of Tomorrow’s cast – and is also set to be a part of the Waller show – it seems the DC Universe’s story is geared up to continue having the character serve as connective tissue for the overarching story of the franchise, with his current antagonist role effectively being the DCU’s equivalent of how the MCU used Thanos in its first on-screen Saga.
Rick Flag Sr. Being The DCU’s Current Focal Character Makes Sense After Peacemaker Season 2
Peacemaker trapped on the Salvation planet.
Rick Flag Sr. appears to have taken over from Amanda Waller as not only the DCU’s morally questionable leader of ARGUS – a CIA-esque government organization – but also as a figure who presents new threats and challenges to the franchise’s heroes, as he and Lex Luthor’s plans for the world they label “Salvation” are clearly and immediately shown to be profoundly troubling.
In this way, the DCU is able to set up an overarching antagonist while also showing Rick Flag Sr. as a morally complex figure, given Creature Commandos spends considerable time depicting him as a protagonist, and as someone with more positive moral traits than we see later when he is swayed seemingly by the grief of losing his son and his hatred for Peacemaker himself.
With the DC Universe currently being in Chapter 1, it will be interesting to see whether things unfold so Rick Flag Sr’s story is at the forefront of the entirety of this first chapter, or if the franchise is gearing up to have this be a more long-term storyline that takes place over the course of a larger window of time.