(Image credit: HBO/SKY)
With Colin Farrell reportedly in discussions to headline Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming Sgt. Rock film for DC Studios, fans are feeling a mix of excitement and unease. Known for his portrayal of The Penguin in the DC universe, some wonder about his next venture into another DC character.
Daniel Craig was initially in talks to take on the role of the World War II hero leading the Easy Company infantry, a character born in DC Comics in 1959. After Craig’s exit, Jeremy Allen White was rumored to fill the gap. Now, acclaimed writer Justin Kuritzkes, who previously collaborated with Guadagnino on Challengers and Queer, is crafting the screenplay, with filming slated to commence in the UK this summer.
While Farrell’s inclusion excites some, others feel the DCU needs a fresh influx of talent. Farrell’s journey from playing mobster Oz Cobb in 2022’s The Batman to leading the HBO series The Penguin sparks debate among fans about repeated casting in different parts of the DC universe.
A Reddit user opined, “Having like one actor play all these characters is kind of weird tbh. Let’s get new blood.” Another added, “I still don’t understand the push for this deep cut character movie when our core characters aren’t even established yet.” The curiosity surrounding Sgt. Rock, a non-superpowered WWII soldier, continues, with fans questioning this hard push for his cinematic debut.
However, many point to Guadagnino’s direction as the main draw. One user argued, “I think its more so that this is the project Luca Guadagnino is interested in and he’s a director who a lot of talented actors want to work with,” which indicates the film’s potential reliance on both the acclaimed director and its star lead.
Supporting the choice, another shared, “Better than Jeremy Allen White. White is a good actor but not a big name at all, and a project like this needs some degree of star power,” underscoring Farrell’s box office appeal.
In the midst of these discussions, some fans embrace the dual presence of Farrell in distinct DC universes. “I personally think it’s very exciting if Farrell joins the DCU in addition to being in the Reeves-verse,” a fan expressed. Supporting this sentiment, another added, “It’s incredibly dumb that people think he can’t play Sgt. Rock when he’s Oz. Not only are they different universes but the characters look nothing alike.”
As fans eagerly await Sgt. Rock’s launch date, they can explore upcoming DC movies and shows set to grace screens in 2025 and beyond. The evolving landscape of the DCU continues to captivate audiences worldwide.