Summary
An upcomingDCUmovie has lost the top contender for its lead role, but DC Studios may have already found a potential replacement.
In September 2024, it was reported thatChallengerswriter Justin Kuritzkes and director Luca Guadagnino were reteaming for aDCU Sgt Rock movieset during World War II. By November 2024, former James Bond actor Daniel Craig (who starred in Kuritzkes and Guadagnino’s period romantic dramaQueer) was reportedly being sought to play Sgt. Rock, though no deals with Craig or Guadagnino had been signed at the time. Still, DC Studios was reportedly optimistic about Kuritzkes script, and Sgt. Rock was expected to be Guadagnino’s next film before he adapts the novelAmerican Psycho. Unfortunately, one Kuritzkes, Guadagnino, and Cragi trio member won’t join theDCU’s Sgt. Rock movie.
Sgt. Rock Loses The Actor It Was Seeking
Nexus Point Newsreports thatCraig passed on the titular Sgt. Rock role.The online publication wasn’t given a reason for Craig’s exit, butThe Hollywood Reporternoted that some sources said there were scheduling roadblocks “with that of his wife, actress Rachel Weisz.“Sgt. Rockis expected to begin production this summer (per THR), though Craig and Weisz reportedly attempt to balance their work commitments and family time. Other THR sources reportedly said Craig “soured on the [Sgt. Rock] role” afterQueerfailed to do well at the box office and didn’t become a serious awards season contender. However,Varietyadds that a source with knowledge of the project noted that Craig never “formally committed” to playing Sgt. Rock.
Does DC Already Have a Replacement for Daniel Craig?
Despite this setback, DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran are reportedly excited about theSgt. Rockmovie script and see the film as an opportunity to demonstrate the variety of contentfans can expect from DC Studios. As such, DC Studios is already seeking other actors, with Jeff Sneider reporting onThe InSneiderthat Jeremy Allen White has been offered the Sgt. Rock role. White, who stars in the upcomingStar WarsfilmThe Mandalorian and Grogu, is currently filmingThe Bearseason 4. However, production on the acclaimed FX series reportedly wraps in early May, which should clear his schedule. It’s uncertain if White is leaning toward accepting the Sgt. Rock role, though DC Studios is reportedly confident they can sign him on.
Because Sgt. Rock is considered one of the lesser-known DC characters, the project has some fans convinced thatDC Studios should have gotten to their big names faster. BesidesSuperman,Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, and HBO’s Green Lantern series, the first DCU projects largely focus on smaller characters like Clayface or Swamp Thing. While diehard comic book fans are familiar with these characters, they are arguably questionable picks if DC Studios wants to entice general audiences to theaters. Still, Kuritzkes and Guadagnino’s work together has been acclaimed, so their reunion forSgt. Rockhas piqued the interest of most fans. If the script is strong and the right actor is cast, Sgt. Rock could be a welcomed and unique entry into the DCU franchise.
Sgt. Rockis in development at DC Studios.
DC
DC is a brand of superhero comics, television shows, movies, video games, merchandise, and more. The company owns the rights to popular characters like Batman, The Suicide Squad, Green Arrow, Wonder Woman, and many more.
