Luca Guadagnino's ‘Sgt Rock' Shoots This Fall; Memorial Day 2026 Release?

Luca Guadagnino. What more can you say about the guy. He recently released two acclaimed 2024 films, “Challengers” and “Queer,” and has already shot “After the Hunt,” starring Julia Roberts, which is supposed to be released this year. However, it looks like the next film he’s shooting will be an unusual addition to his already eclectic filmography.

Guadagnino is directing “Sgt. Rock,” starring Daniel Craig, for James Gunn’s DCU. Not just that, it’s probably Guadagnino’s next film. The Hot Mic’s Jeff Sneider has further confirmed it by saying production on the film is supposed to begin this fall, and that a Memorial Day 2026 release would be ideal for the film.

Set in the ‘40s, the character of Sgt. Frank Rock can be seen as a symbol of patriotism during the United States’ battle against the Nazis in World War II. Leading Easy Company against the worst evil man has ever faced, Sgt. Rock is supposed to represent the “emblem of America's fighting spirit.”

Does that Memorial Day release now make sense?

Hollywood has been trying to make a “Sgt. Rock” movie for decades now. In the ‘80s, producer Joel Silver wanted Arnold Schwarzenegger to star as the titular hero. Then, in the aughts, Quentin Tarantino was offered to direct his own version. It turns out that Guadagnino and his “Challengers” screenwriter, Justin Kuritzkes, have cracked the code on this one.

Knowing Guadagnino, and how he seems to have a real distaste for studio interference, I would imagine he has some kind of deal with James Gunn to splatter his own unique vision on the screen. Expect an R-rated war movie.

In the meantime, Gunn, and his DCU co-partner Peter Safran, keep piling up film projects, and filmmakers. There’s Gunn’s “Superman,” Craig Gillespie’s “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” James Mangold’s “Swamp Thing,” Mike Flanagan’s “Clayface” and, potentially rumored, Darren Aronofsky’s “Plastic Man.”