Colin Farrell, known for his roles in comic adaptations such as 2003’s Daredevil and most recently as Oz Cobb in The Batman and its spinoff The Penguin, was once announced to star in a Sgt. Rock film. This project, set within the James Gunn DC Universe, was to be directed by Luca Guadagnino with a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes, but it was ultimately shelved after Guadagnino left. Farrell expressed enthusiasm for the film and hopes it will be revived in the future, signaling potential alignment with the ongoing DC Studios plans.
How Sgt. Rock’s Story Aligned with James Gunn and Peter Safran’s Vision
The planned Sgt. Rock script, authored by Justin Kuritzkes, combined a gritty World War II backdrop with mysticism through the inclusion of the Spear of Destiny—a legendary artifact said to have pierced Jesus Christ and possess supernatural powers. This blend of historical conflict and fantastical elements mirrors the kind of rich, genre-crossing narratives that define the current DC Universe under James Gunn and Peter Safran. It melds grounded wartime drama with the imaginative and supernatural themes common to DC’s storytelling.
This approach matches DC Studios’ commitment to varied, innovative projects. Upcoming releases already include Lanterns, a crime thriller featuring characters wielding cosmic weapons, and Clayface, a body horror story centered on a shapeshifting villain. Unlike the typical superhero movies dominated by characters like Superman or Batman, Sgt. Rock focused on a soldier navigating supernatural challenges, diversifying the narrative scope of DC’s films and broadening audience expectations.
The Uncertain Future of the Sgt. Rock Project
Following Guadagnino’s exit, Sgt. Rock remains in a stalled state, with no new developments officially announced. James Gunn, when interviewed on the same podcast that Colin Farrell appeared on, hinted at a project that was ultimately abandoned due to script issues that failed to improve despite multiple drafts. Fans widely speculate that Gunn was referring to Sgt. Rock.
We had a screenplay that – you know, a movie that was greenlit. We got second draft and third draft, and it just wasn’t changing. It wasn’t getting better. It was staying in the same place. And I said, we can’t make this film. We can’t,
James Gunn, DC Studios co-head
If DC Studios revisits the film, it is likely they would opt for a fresh script rather than Kuritzkes’ version. Bringing Colin Farrell back to portray Sgt. Rock would be a strategic choice, as his experience and passion for the role could elevate the character’s presence in the James Gunn DC Universe. Farrell playing a heroic figure here would also diversify his comic-book repertoire beyond his previous antagonist roles.
Meanwhile, Farrell is set to continue his involvement in the DC Universe by reprising Oz Cobb in the forthcoming The Batman Part II. Fans of the franchise can currently stream The Batman and The Penguin on HBO Max to catch up on this interconnected storyline.
Spotlight on The Batman and Its Principal Cast
The Batman stars Robert Pattinson as the titular hero, Bruce Wayne, who is pivotal to DC’s expansive film universe. The cast also includes Zoë Kravitz portraying Selina Kyle, further expanding the complex web of characters that enrich this universe. Their performances anchor the dark, intense tone of the DC films under James Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership, reflecting the studios’ shift toward more diverse and mature storytelling.
