As anticipation builds for the first Superman trailer and the premiere of Creature Commandos on December 5, James Gunn’s DC Studios is turning heads with a surprising announcement. They’ve unveiled a new live-action project that nobody saw coming: a Sgt. Rock movie, directed by Luca Guadagnino and featuring Daniel Craig in the lead role.
The buzz started when Nexus Point News hinted at this intriguing project back in September. Now, Deadline confirms that Daniel Craig is set to embark on a new mission with the acclaimed director known for films like Challengers and Queer. Their collaboration on the latter is expected to hit select US theaters on November 27.
Deadline further reveals that this Sgt. Rock project is likely to be Guadagnino’s next directorial venture before he takes on Lionsgate’s reboot of American Psycho. Justin Kuritzkes, the writer behind Guadagnino’s last two films, is reportedly putting the final touches on the screenplay. This film will be an unexpected addition to the first chapter of Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe, which aims to blend well-known characters with more obscure, niche stories.
Details about the plot are still under wraps, but given Sgt. Rock’s storied history, there’s potential for a World War II action film infused with pulpy horror elements. This marks a significant departure for Guadagnino, known for his intimate dramas and psychological horror. Sgt. Rock, created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, debuted in Our Army at War #83 back in June 1959.
The character is not just a straightforward war hero; he’s complex, grappling with loyalty to his country and confronting enemies in increasingly bizarre and twisted narratives. Interestingly, Sgt. Rock has even battled zombies, hinting at a film that could channel vibes akin to Wolfenstein or Overlord. While connections to the broader DC universe are possible, they aren’t guaranteed. James Gunn has expressed interest in standalone projects, which would offer a director like Guadagnino ample creative freedom.
For Daniel Craig, now 56 and thriving in his post-Bond career with critically acclaimed projects like Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series, this role means returning to the world of high-octane blockbusters—a world he seemed ready to leave behind. His enthusiasm for working with Guadagnino suggests he’s eager to dive back into action-packed storytelling.
