Colin Farrell in Talks to Star in DC’s Sgt. Rock

LOS ANGELES, March 17, 2025 — Colin Farrell is negotiating to take on the lead role in “Sgt. Rock,” a World War II adaptation directed by Luca Guadagnino. This move comes after Daniel Craig opted out of the project, previously considered for the role, to pursue other opportunities.

Farrell, known for his acclaimed portrayal of Oswald Cobb in “The Penguin,” is set to shift gears as he potentially plays Sgt. Franklin John Rock, the titular character from the DC Comics universe. Created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, Sgt. Rock first appeared in 1959’s “Our Army at War” and became a staple in DC’s comic line, known for his combat prowess and leadership of Easy Company, a unit fighting against Nazi forces in Europe.

The character is famed for his skills, including shooting down enemy fighter planes and surviving multiple gunshot wounds. He is characterized as having a calm demeanor paired with an acute awareness of impending enemy attacks. The planned film aims to depict a straightforward war narrative under the guidance of DC’s latest leadership duo, James Gunn and Peter Safran.

Guadagnino’s adaptation is described as an ambitious project, building on a long history of attempts to bring Sgt. Rock to the big screen. Actors like Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger have previously been linked to the role but never materialized. The project is anticipated to begin shooting this summer in England, pending finalization of casting.

Farrell’s performance in “The Penguin” has garnered him significant accolades, including a SAG Award and a Golden Globe, showcasing his ability to transform into the complex character using extensive prosthetics. His popularity in the DC realm aligns with the current trend of repurposing actors across different DC properties, as seen with Jason Momoa’s transition from Aquaman to antihero Lobo.

Justin Kuritzkes, who previously wrote for Guadagnino’s film projects “Challengers” and “Queer,” is penning the script for “Sgt. Rock.” As the DC landscape evolves, the new adaptation represents a strategic shift for the franchise, aiming to expand its content range under Gunn and Safran’s stewardship.

As Farrell prepares to potentially step into this iconic role, fans await further updates. DC’s Superman, set for release in July, is also part of the reimagined slate, marking a new era for the studio.