For many, Daniel Craig is the ultimate James Bond—a suave, tough, and incredibly skilled spy who captivated audiences for over a decade. After saying goodbye to the iconic role in 2021, Craig has been exploring a variety of projects, showing off his versatility as an actor. One of his more unexpected choices was the period romantic drama Queer (2024), which took a different turn from his action-packed past. But what really had fans buzzing recently was the news of Craig potentially stepping into the DC Universe.
The British actor was rumored to be joining forces with director Luca Guadagnino and screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes for Sgt. Rock, is an adaptation of the classic DC Comics character. Excitement was through the roof as fans imagined Craig trading in his sleek Bond persona for the rugged war hero.
However, that excitement was short-lived. Craig has officially walked away from the project, leaving many wondering—why did he decide to step back from Sgt. Rock?
Why did Daniel Craig decide to quit the project?
Daniel Craig’s potential involvement in Sgt. Rock first made headlines in November 2024, but reports now confirm that he has officially exited the project. Interestingly, though, it seems he was never fully committed in the first place. A source close to the project has revealed that Craig had not signed a contract (via Variety), making his departure less of a dramatic exit and more of a quiet step away before anything was set in stone.
There are a few possible reasons why Craig decided to part ways with Sgt. Rock. One of the biggest factors seems to be scheduling conflicts. Craig and his wife, acclaimed actress Rachel Weisz, reportedly have a packed calendar, making it difficult for him to commit to the production timeline of the DC film (via Deadline). Given the long, grueling filming schedules that major action movies demand, it’s not surprising that this could have been a deal-breaker.
Another reason speculated by insiders is the underwhelming performance of Queer. The film, which was expected to be a major contender in the awards season, failed to make an impact both at the box office and among critics. With worldwide earnings under $5 million (via Box Office Mojo), Queer fell far short of expectations.
Some sources suggest that Craig, feeling disappointed by this setback, may have reevaluated his career choices and decided to be more selective with his next projects. Whether or not this was a deciding factor remains unclear, but the timing of his departure from Sgt. Rock certainly raises questions.
Whatever the reason, one thing is certain—Craig won’t be leading the charge in Sgt. Rock, and DC Studios is once again searching for the perfect actor to bring the battle-hardened soldier to life on the big screen.
Several actors who could have played Sgt. Rock
Sgt. Rock is a legendary character in DC Comics, having first appeared in 1959. Created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, this no-nonsense World War II soldier leads Easy Company, an elite U.S. Army infantry unit. Though he doesn’t have superpowers, Sgt. Rock is exceptionally strong, resilient, and a master of combat, making him a dream role for all action stars.
The idea of bringing Sgt. Rock to the big screen has been floating around Hollywood for decades. Back in the late 1980s, Arnold Schwarzenegger was eyed for the role, but the project never materialized. In 2007, another version was in development with director Guy Ritchie, who reportedly wanted Bruce Willis to take on the role. However, Ritchie later shifted his focus to Sherlock Holmes and the Sgt. Rock movie was shelved once again.
Despite never having his own standalone film, Sgt. Rock has made several appearances in DC-related media. He was hinted at in Legends of Tomorrow, where actor Blair Penner played a soldier who many fans believe was meant to be Rock. Additionally, the character has appeared in various animated projects, voiced by talents like Fred Dryer in Justice League, Fred Tatasciore in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Karl Urban in DC Showcase: Sgt. Rock, and Maury Sterling in Creature Commandos.
Now that Craig is out of the picture, DC Studios is back to searching for the right actor to take on the role. According to The Hollywood Reporter, one name being considered is Jeremy Allen White, best known for his work in The Bear and the hit show Shameless. If White were to land the role, it would signal a shift towards a younger version of the character. This could eventually change the direction of the story. However, casting is still in its early stages, and many other actors are likely to be in the mix before a final decision is made.
Sgt. Rock will still happen
While Craig’s departure is a setback, it doesn’t mean that Sgt. Rock is dead in the water. DC Studios is still moving forward with the project, and with filming expected to begin in late 2025, there’s plenty of time to find the perfect lead.
What’s even more intriguing is the possibility of Craig still joining the DC Universe down the line. While he may not be stepping into the combat boots of Sgt. Rock, name was seriously considered for a major DC role, which suggests that he’s open to working within the superhero genre. With James Gunn now at the helm of DC Studios, the door remains open for Craig to take on another character in the future.
For now, though, Sgt. Rock is back to square one in terms of casting. Fans will have to wait and see who ultimately lands the role and how the project takes shape under Guadagnino’s direction. Whether it ends up being Jeremy Allen White or another unexpected choice, DC Studios still seems determined to bring the legendary war hero to the big screen.
In the meantime, Craig’s exit from Sgt. Rock allows him to explore other opportunities. Whether he’s preparing for another action-packed role, jumping deeper into dramatic performances, or even considering another directorial venture, his next move is sure to be an interesting one.
Sgt. Rock may have lost Daniel Craig, but the project isn’t going anywhere. Now, all eyes are on DC Studios to see who will take up the mantle and bring this classic comic book character to life in a way that does justice to his powerful legacy.
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