Colin Farrell is gearing up for another major DC role, this time stepping away from the crime-ridden streets of Gotham to take on the battlefields of World War II. The Penguin star is in talks to portray Sgt. Frank Rock, the iconic leader of the Easy Company, in DC Studios’ upcoming film Sgt. Rock. The movie, based on the classic comic book character, will be helmed by acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino, known for his visually rich and emotionally charged storytelling. The screenplay is penned by Justin Kuritzkes, who previously collaborated with Guadagnino on Challengers.
From Page to Screen: The Legacy of Sgt. Rock
Originally introduced in 1959 in Our Army at War, Sgt. Rock quickly became a fan-favorite figure in DC’s war comics. Created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, the character was often depicted as a tough but deeply moral soldier leading his unit against the Nazis in harrowing battlefield scenarios. By 1977, his popularity had grown enough to earn him a dedicated comic series.
While Sgt. Rock remains one of DC’s most enduring non-superhero characters, attempts to bring him to the big screen have repeatedly stalled. Over the years, various actors were rumored for the role, with Daniel Craig at one point linked to the project. However, DC Studios co-head James Gunn later clarified that Craig was "never attached."
A New Vision for DC: Luca Guadagnino’s Approach
Unlike traditional superhero films, Sgt. Rock will take DC in a different direction, blending war drama with action and character-driven storytelling. Producer Peter Safran emphasized this shift, saying, "What we love about Sgt. Rock is the opportunity to tell a story about heroism and conflict in [a] compelling and unique way."
Luca Guadagnino, best known for films like Call Me by Your Name and Challengers, may seem like an unexpected choice for a war movie, but his ability to craft deeply personal and visually striking narratives could redefine how comic book-based war films are approached. With Colin Farrell in the lead role, Sgt. Rock has the potential to be one of DC’s most ambitious and unconventional projects.
Should the deal go through, Sgt. Rock could begin filming later this year. However, Farrell is already committed to multiple projects, including the second season of Apple TV+’s Sugar and the Edward Berger-directed The Ballad of a Small Player. Meanwhile, DC continues to expand its cinematic slate with Creature Commandos, Superman, Peacemaker Season 2, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, and Lanterns all in various stages of production.
