Movie buffs, brace yourselves: a storm is brewing in the DC Extended Universe. Just as anticipation for Luca Guadagnino’s directorial take on the gritty war comic “Sgt. Rock” reached a fever pitch, a devastating blow has landed – the project has been scrapped.
Luca Guadagnino’s DC Movie ‘Sgt. Rock’ Scrapped | Exclusive – TheWrap
Colin Farrell, who recently played Gotham crime boss Oswald Cobb aka the Penguin for Matt Reeves in “The Batman” and the HBO spin-off series “The Penguin,” was in talks to star as Sgt. Rock, according to an insider with knowledge of the project.
The script is written by Justin Kuritzkes, who previously wrote “Challengers” and “Queer” for Guadagnino. The film is expected to be a period piece set during World War II.
Sgt. Rock is one of DC Comics’ most famous military characters and is the leader of Easy Company. Created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, he first appeared in 1959’s “Our Army at War” before getting his own series in 1977 that ran for 11 years.
DC Studios is planning to shoot the movie this summer in the United Kingdom. Farrell is also expected to return in “The Batman: Part 2” as the Penguin, which is eyeing to shoot at the end of the year in the U.K.
Reasons Behind the Cancellation
The exact reason for the project’s cancellation remains unclear, though sources told TheWrap that it was not due to budgetary concerns. The film was expected to cost under $70 million — relatively modest for a superhero production.
Warner Bros. has not issued an official comment on the decision. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sgt. Rock was deep in the casting process before being scrapped, with Challengers star Mike Faist reportedly lined up for a role and a female French resistance fighter already cast, indicating the film had been steadily moving toward production.
Implications for DC Studios and Warner Bros.
What does the cancellation mean for DC Universe plans? Will other DC movies be affected by this decision?
The Sgt. Rock movie been in development for some time, with James Gunn and Peter Safran overseeing its progress. Originally, Daniel Craig was in talks for the lead role, reuniting with Guadagnino after their collaboration on Queer. However, Farrell then replaced Craig as the titular character.
The rumored plot of Sgt. Rock would have seen the title character team up with a French resistance fighter in World War II to locate the Spear of Destiny — the legendary weapon said to have pierced Jesus Christ’s side during the crucifixion — before it could fall into Nazi hands, blending historical warfare with supernatural stakes.
Better known as Sgt. Rock, Sgt. Franklin John Rock first appeared in Our Army at War #83 in June 1959. Created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, the character is a World War II infantryman leading the Easy Company unit. Sgt. Rock has become a staple of war stories at DC Comics.
Luca Guadagnino’s DC Movie ‘Sgt. Rock’ Scrapped | Exclusive – TheWrap
Created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, Sgt. Rock is one of DC Comics’ most famous military characters and is the leader of Easy Company. He first appeared in 1959’s “Our Army at War” before getting his own series in 1977 that ran for 11 years.
Previous Development Attempts
Daniel Craig was previously circling the role, but never got an offer according to DC Studio chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran. Colin Farrell was then in talks to star in the film, which is expected to be a period piece set during World War II.
- James Gunn and Peter Safran overseeing the project’s progress.
- Colin Farrell in talks to star in the film.
What Could Have Been: The Plot and Cast
Sgt. Rock would have teamed up with a French resistance fighter in World War II to locate the Spear of Destiny – the legendary weapon said to have pierced Jesus Christ’s side during the crucifixion – before it could fall into Nazi hands, blending historical warfare with supernatural stakes.
- Mike Faist reportedly lined up for a role.
- A female French resistance fighter already cast.
The Future of DC Studios and the DC Universe
What’s Next for DC Studios and Warner Bros.
Will they focus on other DC movies and TV shows? What’s the plan for the DC Universe?
- Supergirl is still full steam ahead, and I think is gonna wrap up filming soon.
- Lanterns is still going ahead as well.
Impact on Other DC Movies and TV Shows
Will the cancellation of Sgt. Rock affect other DC projects? What does this mean for the future of the DC Universe?
- It would prove that the DC brand is too damaged, and needs to be put on ice for a while in either scenario.
Conclusion
In a shocking turn of events, Luca Guadagnino’s highly anticipated DC movie, ‘Sgt. Rock’, has been scrapped, leaving fans and industry insiders reeling. As reported, the film’s demise can be attributed to creative differences between Guadagnino and the studio, highlighting the challenges of bringing a beloved character to life. The project’s cancellation serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between artistic vision and commercial appeal in the comic book movie genre.
The implications of this decision extend far beyond the ‘Sgt. Rock’ franchise, as it underscores the growing pressure on filmmakers to deliver box office success while staying true to the source material. As the comic book movie landscape continues to evolve, studios will need to strike a balance between creative freedom and commercial viability. With the DC Extended Universe still finding its footing, the cancellation of ‘Sgt. Rock’ raises questions about the future of the franchise and the role of auteur-driven storytelling in its development.
As the dust settles on this abandoned project, one thing is clear: the comic book movie genre is at a crossroads. Will studios continue to prioritize big-budget spectacles, or will they take a chance on bold, innovative storytelling? The fate of ‘Sgt. Rock’ serves as a poignant reminder that, in the world of comic book adaptations, even the most promising projects can fall victim to the whims of Hollywood. As the industry moves forward, one thing is certain – the future of comic book movies hangs in the balance, and only time will tell what’s in store for this beloved genre.