Daniel Craig Might Play a DC Superhero You’ve Likely Never Heard Of, Directed by a Surprising Choice

James Gunn recently promised that the DC Universe will include more R-rated stories and that the script will serve as the foundation for quality productions. His vision for the DCU is encouraging, as he aims to introduce lesser-known comic book characters alongside big names like Superman and Batman. One such under-the-radar figure is Sgt. Rock, a character reportedly being lined up for Daniel Craig, with Luca Guadagnino possibly directing the project.

According to Deadline, Guadagnino and Craig may reunite within the DCU. The director and actor recently collaborated on Queer, a drama with Craig in the lead role. The screenplay for Sgt. Rock is being penned by Justin Kuritzkes, who has worked with Guadagnino before, including on Queer and the Zendaya-led sports drama Challengers. While no formal agreements have been signed yet between DC Studios, Craig, and Guadagnino, the project is already generating buzz. The specific storyline for Sgt. Rock has yet to be determined.

Who Is Sgt. Rock?

The character’s full name is Franklin John Rock, and “Sgt.” refers to his military rank. He first appeared in G.I. Combat in 1959, a title originally owned by Quality Comics before its acquisition by DC Comics. Created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Joe Kubert, Sgt. Rock is a World War II hero fighting on the European front as part of the infantry. Skilled in marksmanship, grenades, and hand-to-hand combat, he’s not a typical superhero but stands out for his endurance and resilience.

Sgt. Rock’s abilities are almost superhuman—he survives injuries that would incapacitate or kill most soldiers and has an uncanny sixth sense for detecting enemy movements. Throughout his comic book history, he has crossed paths with major DC characters like Batman, Superman, the Suicide Squad, and the Creature Commandos. The character has appeared in animated series (Batman: The Brave and the Bold) and video games (Sgt. Rock: On the Frontline). Interestingly, there were once plans in the late ’80s and early ’90s to develop an action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as Sgt. Rock.

Back in September, it was reported that James Gunn was in talks with Luca Guadagnino for a DC project, though the title was unknown at the time. Now it seems that Sgt. Rock is that project. If done well, this collaboration could bring a fresh and gritty take to the DC Universe while spotlighting one of its more unconventional heroes.