As we eagerly anticipate the first glimpse of Superman on the big screen and gear up for the debut of Creature Commandos on December 5, James Gunn’s DC Studios is turning up the heat with its latest projects. And here’s a twist no one saw coming: a live-action Sgt. Rock film helmed by Luca Guadagnino, featuring none other than Daniel Craig in the starring role.
The buzz around this surprising venture kicked off when Nexus Point News hinted at it back in September. Now, Deadline has shed more light, confirming that Daniel Craig is indeed diving into a new adventure with Guadagnino, the acclaimed director behind Challengers and Queer—films that have already earned a buzz and will hit select theaters in the US starting November 27.
Recent insights from Deadline suggest that this Sgt. Rock project will likely be Guadagnino’s next undertaking before he moves onto the American Psycho reboot for Lionsgate. The screenplay is penned by Justin Kuritzkes, who also worked on Guadagnino’s latest cinematic outings. Sgt. Rock is set to be a fresh and intriguing addition to the first phase of Gunn’s reimagined DC universe, which seeks to blend well-known characters with unique, lesser-explored narratives.
While the specifics of the plot remain under wraps, fans of Sgt. Rock will recognize the potential for a World War II action film infused with elements of pulpy horror—a significant shift from Guadagnino’s typical style of intimate dramas tinged with psychological suspense. Originally crafted by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, Sgt. Rock made his debut in June 1959 in Our Army at War #83.
The character is far deeper than the conventional war hero trope. His duties, tangled loyalties, and encounters with bizarre enemies paint a complex picture. He’s even battled zombies, which hints that we might see some Wolfenstein or Overlord influences in this film. Though connections to the broader DC universe could emerge, the focus here seems to be more on letting creative talents explore standalone narratives. This approach aligns with Gunn’s vision of offering directors plenty of room to innovate.
For Daniel Craig, stepping into the boots of Sgt. Rock represents a return to the explosive blockbuster scene he seemed ready to leave after his iconic run as James Bond. Recently, he’s been savoring smaller, yet highly praised roles in projects like Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series. His decision to take on Sgt. Rock suggests that his collaboration with Guadagnino was compelling enough to lure him back into the high-octane fray.
