Daniel Craig is no longer set to star in Sgt. Rock, the World War II-themed DC film directed by Luca Guadagnino. The project would have marked a reunion between the actor and director following their collaboration on A24’s Queer.
DC Studios has not provided a statement on Craig’s departure, and the reasons for the change remain unclear. Craig’s involvement in the film was first reported by Deadline. Sgt. Rock is expected to be Guadagnino’s next project before he moves on to an American Psycho reboot for Lionsgate. The screenplay was written by Justin Kuritzkes, who previously collaborated with Guadagnino on Challengers and Queer.
Sgt. Rock was created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Joe Kubert, debuting in Our Army at War #83 in June 1959. The character, Sgt. Franklin “Frank” Rock, is known for leading the fictional Easy Company during World War II. Over the years, multiple actors have been attached to the role, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis.
Guadagnino’s latest film, Queer, an adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novella, premiered at the Venice Film Festival and was released in November. Craig starred as William Lee, an American expatriate navigating his sexual identity in 1950s Mexico City. Despite strong reviews, the film did not receive Oscar recognition.
Guadagnino’s upcoming projects include the Amazon thriller After the Hunt, starring Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, and Andrew Garfield, set for release on October 10. Craig, meanwhile, will next appear in the Knives Out sequel Wake Up Dead Man later this year.
With Craig’s departure, attention now turns to who will take over the role of Sgt. Rock. No official casting announcements have been made, but speculation is likely to center on established action stars or actors with a history of working with Guadagnino.