Nexus is reporting that Daniel Craig is no longer attached to star in Luca Guadagnino’s “Sgt. Rock.” No specific reason was given for Craig’s decision.
“Sgt. Rock” was rumored to be shooting this summer. It’ll be interesting to see if Guadagnino now decides to move forward on the project, or opts to exit it himself, especially after having lost his lead actor.
The WWII action movie would have reunited the 'Queer' team of Craig, Guadagnino and screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes. It’s supposed to be the next project within James Gunn’s DCU to hit production, after “Superman” and “Supergirl.”
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.”
No surprise, a rumored Memorial Day 2026 release date is being planned by Warner Bros for what sounds like a patriotic-infused blockbuster.
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. Will this one finally come to fruition? The film seems to have hit a speed bump, and it now comes down to whether Guadagnino and Kuritzkes are willing to stick around.
UPDATE: THR is reporting that the film is indeed supposed to shoot this summer in the UK. Guadagnino is —for now— still attached to direct. One name making the rounds as Craig’s potential replacement is Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”).
The film arrives unrated, set to screen in 2,000+ theaters this weekend, but is already plagued by disastrous early reviews, amounting to a 29% score on Rotten Tomatoes.