February 20, 2025: The world of superhero films has been rocked by unexpected news: Daniel Craig has exited the highly anticipated DC film Sgt. Rock. The project, which was set to reunite Craig with acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino, had generated significant buzz among fans and critics alike. However, with Craig’s departure, the future of the film now hangs in the balance, leaving many wondering about the next steps for the project.
According to Deadline, Craig’s exit from Sgt. Rock was unexpected, and the reasons behind his decision have yet to be fully revealed. The film, based on the iconic DC Comics character created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, was set to explore the World War II adventures of Sgt. Franklin “Frank” Rock, a beloved figure in the comic book world since his introduction in 1959.
Craig’s involvement was seen as a major win for the film, as the actor’s status as a global star—thanks to his iconic portrayal of James Bond—brought a significant amount of prestige and excitement to the project. However, with his sudden exit, the film is now without its lead actor, and the project’s direction is uncertain.
The script for Sgt. Rock was written by Justin Kuritzkes, a longtime collaborator of Guadagnino’s, having worked together on films like Challengers and Queer. Guadagnino, known for his recent success with Queer (which starred Craig alongside Drew Starkey), was hoping to bring a fresh, captivating vision to this World War II superhero story. While Queer received strong critical praise, it ultimately fell short of landing an Oscar nomination, but the film was still regarded as a step forward for the director.
In the meantime, Guadagnino is moving forward with another high-profile project: the Amazon thriller After the Hunt, which boasts a star-studded cast including Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, and Andrew Garfield. The film is set to release on October 10.
As for Daniel Craig, he will soon be seen in the much-anticipated Knives Out threequel, Wake Up Dead Man, which is set to hit theaters later this year. Craig’s departure from Sgt. Rock has raised questions about the future of superhero films, and fans are left hoping that this intriguing project will find a new lead actor to carry the legacy of the iconic Sgt. Rock.