Daniel Craig Exits Luca Guadagnino’s Sgt. Rock Film Months Before Filming Begins; Reportedly Replaced by Award-Winning Actor

Daniel Craig Exits Luca Guadagnino’s Sgt. Rock Ahead of Filming; Jeremy Allen White Touted as Replacement
[Image: Daniel Craig at an event]

Daniel Craig has reportedly exited Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming DC Studios film Sgt. Rock months before production was set to begin. The 56-year-old actor, known for his role as James Bond, was slated to star as the titular WWII hero Franklin “Frank” Rock, a gritty commander from DC Comics’ 1959 series.

The project would have reunited Craig with Guadagnino, who directed him in the upcoming romantic drama Queer. However, The Hollywood Reporter revealed Craig’s departure without citing a reason. Representatives for Craig have not commented.

Jeremy Allen White in Talks to Replace Craig
[Image: Jeremy Allen White in The Bear]

Award-winning actor Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) is now rumored to take over the lead role. White, 34, has garnered acclaim for his role as chef Carmy Berzatto, earning three Golden Globes and two Emmys. Filming for Sgt. Rock is slated to begin this summer in the UK, marking Guadagnino’s next project after Challengers.

Craig’s Bond Exhaustion Paved Way for Grittier Roles
[Image: Craig as James Bond in No Time to Die]

Last year, Craig admitted his 15-year tenure as James Bond left him emotionally drained, impacting his ability to take on roles like Queer. In the film, he plays William Lee, a 1950s expat pursuing a turbulent romance with a younger man (Drew Starkey). “I couldn’t have done this while doing Bond. It would’ve felt reactionary,” he told The Sunday Times, reflecting on the physical and emotional toll of the franchise.

Craig described feeling “empty” after each Bond film, needing months to recover. “Work took over, and it strung me out,” he said, though he remains supportive of the franchise’s future.

What’s Next for Sgt. Rock?
[Image: Comic cover of Sgt. Rock]

The film adapts DC’s WWII comic series, which ran from 1977–1988, following Easy Company’s battles in Europe. Screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes (Challengers) remains attached to the project. With Craig’s exit, all eyes are on White’s potential casting and whether the film will meet its 2025 release target.

[Image: Daniel Craig and Luca Guadagnino on the set of Queer]

As the search for a new Sgt. Rock continues, Craig’s departure highlights the challenges of balancing blockbuster fame with creatively demanding roles.

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