Daniel Craig as "Sgt. Rock" in the DCU
James Gunn teases new DC films
The DCU under James Gunn is growing and growing: following their acclaimed collaboration on "Queer", director Luca Guadagnino and actor Daniel Craig are set to team up again – this time for the upcoming DC blockbuster "Sgt. Rock"
Although the project has not yet been officially confirmed, the chances are good. According to Deadline, the script by Justin Kuritzkes – who previously wrote "Challengers" for Guadagnino – is in a good state of development. In an interview with Collider, James Gunn also revealed that there are already a number of projects that the public don't even know about yet.
The character Sergeant Franklin John Rock, who first appeared in "Our Army at War" by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert in 1959, is one of the most recognizable characters in the world of DC. As the stalwart leader of Easy Company during World War II, Sgt. Rock represented the classic hero: courageous, compassionate and strategically brilliant. His adventures are characterized by a mix of intense action and a profound, human confrontation with the horrors of war.
Rock is known for his outstanding skills – he shoots down enemy planes with a machine gun, throws grenades with pinpoint accuracy and can also hold his own in close combat. But behind his rough exterior lies an empathetic soldier who never loses sight of the suffering of war. Daniel Craig would be a very promising candidate for the role. After all, he was already convincing in "Defiance", which was also set in the Second World War.
In addition to "Sgt. Rock", films such as "Superman" and "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" as well as the animated series "Creature Commandos" are already part of the first phase of the new universe entitled "Gods and Monsters".
Daniel Craig: A Career in Iconic Roles
Daniel Craig is one of the most renowned actors of his generation. With an impressive filmography that includes both blockbusters and sophisticated character studies, he has established himself as one of Hollywood's most versatile actors.
The Beginnings: Talent in Smaller Productions
Before Daniel Craig became an international star, he made a name for himself with independent productions and supporting roles in larger films. His early work includes "Elizabeth" (1998), in which he appears alongside Cate Blanchett as schemer John Ballard. The historical film brought Craig initial attention, although his role was small.
In 2000, he played the lead role of a mentally unstable man trying to find his place in the world after a stay in hospital in "Some Voices". The intimate character study showcased Craig's impressive talent for embodying emotional and complex roles and established him as an actor to be taken seriously.
His breakthrough in the UK came in 2004 with the crime thriller "Layer Cake", a stylish crime story directed by Matthew Vaughn. In it, Craig played an unnamed drug dealer who wants to retire from the criminal scene. With his cool and nuanced performance, he proved that he could master both action and drama effortlessly – a preview of what was to follow.
James Bond: The Man with the License to Kill
Arguably the most defining phase of his career began in 2006, when Daniel Craig took on the iconic role of James Bond. His casting for "Casino Royale" initially caused mixed reactions, as many fans had doubts as to whether he could adequately portray the legendary secret agent. However, Craig's debut as 007 won over critics and viewers alike.
"Casino Royale" presented Bond as a raw, vulnerable character who is simultaneously deadly and emotionally accessible. Craig's intense performance and the impressive action sequences made the film a milestone in the franchise. In particular, his chemistry with Eva Green as Vesper Lynd gave the story an emotional depth that many previous Bond films lacked.
Craig returned in 2008 in "Quantum of Solace", a gritty and action-packed sequel that picked up on the emotional wounds of its predecessor. Although the film received mixed reviews, Craig's performance was once again convincing.
The series reached new heights with "Skyfall" (2012). Directed by Sam Mendes, the movie explored Bond's past and presented a multi-layered story dominated by Javier Bardem's charismatic villain Silva. Craig's performance as the drawn but determined agent earned him widespread acclaim, and the movie became the most successful Bond adventure of all time.
In "Spectre" (2015) and his farewell film "No Time to Die" (2021), Craig further deepened Bond's personality by adding more emotional complexity to the character. "No Time to Die" offered a spectacular and touching conclusion to Craig's era as 007, in which he redefined and modernized the role.
Away From Bond: Versatile Roles
During his time as Bond, Craig proved that he was far more than an action hero. One of his most notable films outside of the franchise is "Munich" (2005) by Steven Spielberg. In this intense drama about the retaliation after the attack on the 1972 Olympic Games, Craig played Steve, a member of an Israeli commando team. The movie showed his ability to excel in ensemble casts and underlined his versatility.
Another outstanding film is "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (2011), the American adaptation of Stieg Larsson's bestseller. Craig played the investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist and impressed with his restrained, intelligent performance. The thriller, directed by David Fincher, was well received by fans of the book series and is considered one of Craig's best performances.
In 2017, he surprised everyone in the crime comedy "Logan Lucky", in which he played an eccentric prison escapee named Joe Bang. Steven Soderbergh's movie showcased Craig's comedic talent and his willingness to perform counterintuitively. With his distinctive southern accent and absurd character, he was a veritable scene stealer.
Knives Out: A Modern Detective Classic
One of the most notable roles in Craig's later career is that of the eccentric private detective Benoit Blanc in "Knives Out" (2019). The movie by Rian Johnson was a surprise success that modernized the classic whodunit genre. Craig played the charming, sharp-witted detective with a distinctive Southern accent and brought humor as well as intelligence to the role.
The success of "Knives Out" led to a sequel, "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" (2022), which again showcased Craig's talent for subtle comedy and clever acting. Both films were critically acclaimed and helped to further cement Craig's reputation as a versatile actor.