Renowned filmmaker Luca Guadagnino was initially poised to launch the production of Sgt. Rock for DC Studios this summer; however, unexpected delays have emerged. While various reports have surfaced regarding the specific reasons for this setback, James Gunn has reassured fans that Sgt. Rock is still on track for development. The project simply requires several creative adjustments before filming can officially commence, ensuring it meets the high standards expected from the franchise.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gunn expressed optimism about the project’s direction, stating, “I feel like we’re in a pretty good place.” He continued, “We’re still moving forward, but it’s not going to be…What would Peter want me to say here? … So it’s still moving forward, but, yeah, right now it wasn’t exactly where I wanted it to be creatively, and so it needs to change a little bit.” This statement indicates a commitment to refining the vision for the film, ensuring it aligns with the overall strategy of the DC cinematic universe.

Speculation regarding the reasons for the production delay suggests that scheduling conflicts could be a significant factor, particularly given the project’s intent to shoot outdoor scenes. Others speculate there are concerns surrounding Guadagnino’s experience with large-scale action sequences, which may have prompted the need for reassessment and adjustments to the overall production plan.

The screenplay for Sgt. Rock, crafted by Justin Kuritzkes, is described as a thrilling, Indiana Jones-style adventure. The narrative centers around Sgt. Rock, portrayed by Colin Farrell, who partners with a courageous female French Resistance fighter in a perilous quest to locate the legendary Spear of Destiny. This artifact, believed to have pierced the side of Jesus Christ, is rumored to possess extraordinary powers that could tip the balance in WWII if it were to fall into the hands of the Nazis. The extent of any changes to this intriguing storyline remains uncertain as production plans evolve.

In the meantime, Guadagnino is keeping busy with another ambitious project. He is set to direct Artificial, a film that delves into the tumultuous events surrounding the artificial intelligence company OpenAI in 2023, particularly focusing on the dramatic firing and subsequent rehiring of its CEO, Sam Altman, within a matter of days. The film is attracting attention with early talks of casting Andrew Garfield (from We Live in Time), Monica Barbaro (from A Complete Unknown), and Yura Borisov (from Anora). It is anticipated that Garfield will portray Altman, Barbaro will take on the role of Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, and Borisov will depict Ilya Sutskever, a co-founder who played a pivotal role in Altman’s controversial exit from the company. Additionally, there’s still a pending remake of American Psycho that Guadagnino is working on.

Fans eager to witness the evolving landscape of the DC Universe will not have to wait long, as Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman film is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 11. This marks a significant moment for the franchise as it continues to develop and expand its cinematic offerings.