London, England — The production of the upcoming action war film “Sgt. Rock,” based on the iconic DC Comics character, has been halted despite early preparations for shooting. Sources indicate that the project, directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Colin Farrell in the lead role, has entered into a state of uncertainty.
Although scheduled to begin filming this summer in the UK, the production remains in pre-development stages. Casting efforts were underway to assemble a talented ensemble, including Mike Faist, known for his performance in Guadagnino’s “Challengers,” along with a female French resistance fighter whose role had also been filled.
Details concerning the abrupt suspension remain vague, but insiders suggest that logistical challenges associated with outdoor filming contributed to the decision. Despite the setback, there are indications that the project is not being completely abandoned. Plans may be revisited later this year, potentially setting the stage for a summer shoot in 2026.
Guadagnino, whose previous works have primarily focused on acclaimed dramas and thrillers, finds himself navigating the action genre for the first time. While the projected budget for “Sgt. Rock” is reported to be around $70 million—modest by superhero film standards—confidence in the project may have wavered among studio executives.
James Gunn and Peter Safran, the new heads of DC Films, expressed enthusiasm for “Sgt. Rock,” even though it was not part of their original lineup. They decided to incorporate the film after being impressed by the script penned by Justin Kuritzkes, a collaborator with Guadagnino on several projects.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the narrative follows Sgt. Rock as he partners with a female resistance fighter on a mission to locate the fabled Spear of Destiny—an artifact believed to possess supernatural abilities. The characters race against time to secure the spear before it falls into Nazi hands.
“Sgt. Rock,” created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, debuted in comics in 1959 and has long been a staple of DC’s offerings. Previous attempts to bring the character to the big screen have featured notable actors such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis, but fans will have to wait longer for the soldier’s cinematic debut.
As the film’s future hangs in the balance, both fans and industry insiders will be watching closely to see if “Sgt. Rock” can transcend its current hurdles to ultimately fulfill its promise.