How William Mark McCullough became part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World has arrived in theaters, bringing a fresh chapter to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) stepping into the role of Captain America. Among the film’s stellar cast is William Mark McCullough, who plays Commander Dennis Dunphy, a character with deep comic book roots.
During our conversation, McCullough shared insights about his experience joining the MCU, working alongside Anthony Mackie, and his lifelong love for comic books.
A Comic Book Fan’s Dream Come True
McCullough is no stranger to comic book adaptations, having previously appeared in The Gifted and Swamp Thing. However, stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe was an entirely new experience. a“As a kid, I loved comics,” McCullough said. “Every time I get to work on a comic book project, I just feel like I’m eight years old again.”
The opportunity to join Brave New World was a dream come true, but the process of landing the role was just as thrilling. “Marvel is pretty tight with scripts,” he explained. “I was sent fake sides for my audition, and even after I booked the role, I was only given my scenes the night before we filmed.”
Originally cast for just a single scene, McCullough’s presence in the film expanded as production continued. “Every time I got an email from my agent saying they wanted me back for another scene, I was over the moon,” he recalled. “It was an incredible experience.”
Playing Commander Dennis Dunphy
In Brave New World, McCullough portrays Commander Dennis Dunphy, a Navy SEAL and old friend of Sam Wilson. While details about his character were scarce during production, fans of Marvel Comics recognized the Easter egg embedded in the name Dennis Dunphy, also known as Demolition Man (D-Man) in the comics.
“I thought it was a fun little homage,” McCullough said of the connection. “It’s a minor character in the comics, but seeing how it played into the film was really cool.”
Working with Anthony Mackie and Julius Onah
Stepping onto the set of a massive Marvel production was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking for McCullough. “I don’t usually get nervous, but on my first day, my first scene was with Anthony Mackie,” he said. “I’ve been a huge fan of his for years, and suddenly, I’m sharing the screen with him.”
Mackie, he noted, made the experience even more enjoyable. “He’s hands down the funniest actor I’ve ever worked with. The hardest part of my job was trying not to laugh in between takes.”
Director Julius Onah also left a lasting impression. “Julius was one of the best directors I’ve ever worked with,” McCullough said. “He was precise with his direction but also allowed us to explore and play with our performances. And you could tell he genuinely loves the Marvel Universe.”
The Scale of an MCU Film
Having worked on a variety of film and television projects, McCullough was blown away by the scale of Brave New World. “The only thing that’s not different between a small indie film and a Marvel blockbuster is my job as an actor,” he said. “But everything else—the sets, the crew, the level of detail—is on another level.”
One aspect of the experience that stood out was his military training for the role. “They had real Navy SEALs working with me to make sure I got things right—how to enter a room, how to hold a gun,” he said. “It added a level of authenticity that improved the experience.”
Keeping MCU Secrets
Marvel Studios is known for its secrecy, and McCullough had to be especially careful not to reveal anything about the film. “They made it very clear that I wasn’t allowed to say anything,” he laughed. “At the red carpet premiere, reporters were asking all these detailed questions about my character, and I had to keep my lips sealed.”
Future Roles and Dreams
Having made his mark in the MCU, McCullough is open to future roles in Marvel and DC. “I’d be happy to play any character in the MCU,” he said. “But funnily enough, people always tell me I look like Wolverine. I don’t know if it’s the hair or what, but I hear it all the time.”
Beyond superhero films, McCullough hopes to take on more comedic roles. “For some reason, I always get cast as these intense characters,” he said. “But in real life, I’m the goofy uncle who loves to joke around. I’d love to do a comedy and show that side of me.”
A Full Circle Moment For William Mark McCullough
Looking back on his journey, McCullough is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Marvel Universe. “After my first day on set, I emailed the casting directors and said, ‘If I never book another job again, I’ll die happy,’” he said. “That’s how much this experience meant to me.”
With Captain America: Brave New World now playing in theaters, fans can see William Mark McCullough’s journey from comic book fan to MCU star unfold on the big screen. Check out our Brave New World movie review here.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
