James Gunn Confirms Sgt. Rock Movie Is Still in Development

James Gunn Sgt. Rock movie rumors have been circulating for months, but the DC Studios co-CEO has officially shut down the cancellation chatter. In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gunn clarified that the film is still part of the studio’s plans, though it’s facing some creative hurdles.

Is Sgt. Rock Canceled?

Not quite. Gunn addressed speculation head-on, stating that the project is “still moving forward” but isn’t creatively where he needs it to be yet. He noted, “Right now it wasn’t exactly where I wanted it to be creatively, and so it needs to change a little bit.”

This insight came shortly after Gunn publicly scrapped another unnamed DCU project due to a weak screenplay. That bold move sent a clear message—Gunn isn’t interested in pushing half-baked stories just to fill a slate.

What Went Wrong?

Although Gunn didn’t confirm which film was scrapped, many assumed it might be Sgt. Rock, especially given the lack of recent updates. The film was first announced in late 2024, with rumors swirling that Colin Farrell would portray the grizzled World War II hero. But since then, DC Studios has remained silent—until now.

Gunn emphasized that quality storytelling is non-negotiable for him. “Everybody wanted to make the movie. It was greenlit, ready to go. The screenplay wasn’t ready. And I couldn’t do a movie where the screenplay’s not good,” he told reporters. This mindset likely explains why Sgt. Rock is on pause instead of canceled outright.

DC Studios’ Bigger Vision

Gunn’s latest comments reflect his broader strategy for the DC Universe. He’s taken a hard stance on ensuring all upcoming projects align with a cohesive vision. That means even legacy properties like Sgt. Rock aren’t immune to reworking if they don’t meet that bar.

DC Studios is currently restructuring, and under Gunn’s leadership, the focus is on long-term storytelling rather than rushed production cycles. That approach has already led to reboots, reshuffles, and significant changes across the slate—including new Superman and Batman films.

Will We See Colin Farrell Suit Up?

Though Farrell was reportedly attached, Gunn didn’t mention casting in his recent update. Until the script gets Gunn’s final approval, casting and production dates are likely on hold.

Final Thoughts

So, is the James Gunn Sgt. Rock movie dead? Not by a long shot. While the project may be delayed, Gunn has made it clear it’s still part of the DCU’s future. For fans of DC’s war comics and those excited to see a grittier, grounded hero brought to the screen, this is good news—just don’t expect to see it in theaters tomorrow.

As always, we’ll be watching closely for updates as this long-gestating project continues to evolve.