Guadagnino’s next project has been announced and whilst he keeps adding to his list of movies in production, this one has a script and seems to be closer than you might think. Enter below to find Luca’s next collaboration with Daniel Craig, Sgt. Rock.
The long rumoured news has finally been confirmed by Deadline, who report that Luca Guadagnino and Daniel Craig will work together again and this time, for a DC Studios project. For a while now, it has been circulating that this project was in the works and that it would be written by Justin Kuritzkes, who has worked with Guadagnino as a writer on Challengers and Queer. Whilst this is something completely new for them, it often works to make something fresh and interesting as it brings new eyes to an oversaturated market. It’s very hard to imagine what a DC or superhero movie would be looking through Guadagnino’s vision, as he often focuses on the power of the body and sexuality – an aspect that isn’t typically touched on in these movies and especially not with the titular character in their projects.
Sgt. Rock, one of DC’s most iconic characters, is a heroic World War II soldier and leader of Easy Company. Created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, he debuted in Our Army at War #83 in 1959 and became synonymous with war comics. Sgt. Frank Rock is portrayed as a tough, resourceful, and fiercely loyal leader who embodies courage and dedication. His rugged appearance, complete with a green uniform, ammo belts, a Thompson submachine gun, and a signature cigar, captures the grit of a soldier in the thick of war. However, Rock isn’t just a hardened warrior—he’s a compassionate leader who deeply values his comrades, often wrestling with the moral complexities and sacrifices demanded by war.
What sets Sgt. Rock apart is the humanity woven into his stories. Rather than glorifying violence, his narratives often explore themes like camaraderie, loss, and the emotional toll of conflict. Many of his arcs in the comics depict the harsh realities of war, making him more complex than some of the other heroes in the DC universe and leaving a lot to be explored visually. Sgt. Rock’s appeal lies in his role as a symbol of resilience, leadership, and the sacrifices made by soldiers.
Sgt. Rock’s inclusion in James Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe could offer a fresh, grounded take on storytelling, deviating from the superpowered spectacles typically associated with the franchise. As a World War II-era character known for his unshakable leadership and loyalty to Easy Company, Sgt. Rock introduces the possibility of a grittier, character-driven narrative focused on the camaraderie and harsh realities of war. The decision to adapt this iconic war hero aligns with Gunn’s vision to diversify the DCU, exploring genres beyond traditional superhero tales. With Luca Guadagnino reportedly directing, the project could leverage his artistic style to deliver a visually striking and emotionally resonant film, showcasing heroism rooted in human endurance rather than superhuman abilities. This unique premise sets it apart from the other entries currently on the DC Studios slate. However, it is not yet known whether this will be an Elseworlds project or part of the main DCU canon.
Sgt. Rock is rumoured to appear in Creature Commandos, an animated series that will be the first project in James Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe. The series follows a team of unconventional, monstrous soldiers from ‘Project M.’ tackling dangerous missions that traditional forces cannot handle, much like the Suicide Squad (another group of characters adapted in a Gunn project) or the Thunderbolts.
Luca Guadagnino and Daniel Craig first worked together on Queer, which will release in cinemas nationwide on December 13th. You can read our review here and a brief synopsis below:
Queer is set in 1940s Mexico City and the film follows an outcast American expat (Daniel Craig) who becomes infatuated with a younger man (Drew Starkey). Daniel Craig is William Lee, a lonely writer searching for something more as he strolls around the streets of Mexico City. After a number of hookups and failed connections, Lee comes across Eugene Allerton, played by Drew Starkey. The two immediately bond to each other and begin seeing each other more but there is one question lingering over all of their meetings – is Allerton even queer?
Their collaboration must have been as much fun and freeing as it looks from the outside as they rejoin to work together on this new project – which is way more surprising for Daniel Craig after he seemed very tired over the Bond franchise and thus seemed unlikely to return to blockbusters or large scale movies again. It must be the prospect of working in that big budget world with Guadagnino, who can still make a story about humanity despite the numbers attached to the movie.
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