Daniel Craig will not be stepping into the boots of DC’s legendary World War II hero, Sgt. Rock. The acclaimed actor, who was initially rumored to be in talks for the role in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film, has now officially exited the project. While the exact reasons for his departure remain unclear, multiple reports suggest scheduling conflicts and dissatisfaction with the role may have played a part.
Craig’s Departure: What We Know So Far
News of Craig’s potential involvement in Sgt. Rock first surfaced in November 2024, with DC Studios reportedly eyeing him for the lead role. The film, based on the iconic DC Comics character, is being developed by director Luca Guadagnino, known for Call Me By Your Name and Challengers. Justin Kuritzkes, who previously worked with Guadagnino on Queer, was tapped to write the screenplay.
However, according to a new report from The Hollywood Reporter, Craig is no longer attached to the film. The exact reasons behind his exit are still speculative. Sources claim that his schedule clashed with that of his wife, actress Rachel Weisz, while others suggest that the underwhelming performance of Queer may have influenced his decision to step away from another Guadagnino project.
Despite Craig’s departure, DC Studios remains committed to the project and is actively searching for a new lead.
DC Studios’ Vision for ‘Sgt. Rock’
Unlike traditional superhero stories, Sgt. Rock is expected to be a grounded war film, focusing on the character’s leadership in World War II. Sgt. Franklin “Frank” Rock, introduced in Our Army at War #83 in 1959, is a no-nonsense non-commissioned officer who leads Easy Company through the European theater. Over the years, actors such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis have been considered for the role, but the character has never made it to live-action.
James Gunn and Peter Safran, the co-heads of DC Studios, reportedly see Sgt. Rock as a key part of their broader DC Universe expansion. The film is expected to showcase the diverse storytelling potential within DC’s catalog, moving beyond superheroes into other genres like war and historical drama.
Who Could Replace Craig?
With Craig out, the search for a new Sgt. Rock is already underway. One name that has surfaced is Jeremy Allen White, best known for his Emmy-winning performance in The Bear and his breakout role in Shameless. If White is cast, it would signal a shift toward a younger version of the character. However, no formal talks have been confirmed, and DC Studios is reportedly considering multiple actors.
What’s Next for Craig and Guadagnino?
Although Craig has exited Sgt. Rock, his schedule remains packed. He will reprise his role as detective Benoit Blanc in Wake Up Dead Man, the third installment in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series. Additionally, he is set to star alongside Charlize Theron in Two for the Money, directed by Justin Lin for Apple Studios.
Meanwhile, Guadagnino continues his prolific filmmaking streak. His upcoming projects include After the Hunt, a thriller starring Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, and Andrew Garfield, set to release on October 10. He is also working on a new adaptation of American Psycho with Austin Butler and a film adaptation of Separate Rooms, starring Josh O’Connor.
Final Thoughts
While Craig’s exit from Sgt. Rock is disappointing for fans, it doesn’t mean the end of his potential involvement in the DC Universe. His near-casting suggests that DC Studios is open to working with him in the future. For now, the studio remains focused on finding the right actor to bring Sgt. Rock to life, ensuring that the film moves forward as planned.
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