James Gunn Breaks Silence on Daniel Craig Leaving ‘Sgt. Rock’ Movie After ‘Queer’ Failure: “He was never attached”

Actor Daniel Craig is widely known for portraying James Bond in five movies, including Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time To Die. He is one of the most celebrated and well-respected actors in the industry who was set to appear in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC’s World War II-themed superhero movie.

Daniel Craig had recently appeared in Luca Guadagnino’s Queer and was highly appreciated for his work. The movie received positive reviews from critics and the audience and was regarded as one of the top movies released in 2024. However, Queer wasn’t as successful as the actors and the filmmaker assumed it would be, which resulted in Craig exiting Guadagnino’s next.

James Gunn addresses Daniel Craig’s exit from Luca Guadagnino’s Sgt. Rock

In a recent press conference on Warner Bros’ Burbank lot, DC Studios’ co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran sat down to give updates about their upcoming projects in Gods and Monsters. Safran said (via Deadline),

We’ve unified the brand, greenlit five theatrical films, made three live-action series, and are producing five animated series. We’ve also acquired and distributed a BAFTA- and PGA-winning documentary.

Safran further mentioned that different creative teams at the company were defining the DC brand, and each was pursuing their distinct vision of the characters and stories, which left very little room for collaboration. He added that despite a lot of challenges, they managed to bring a sense of unity, cohesion, and consistency to this DCU.

In regards to talking about the projects, fans were really curious to know the future of Sgt. Rock, DC’s World War II-themed movie directed by Luca Guadagnino. Daniel Craig, who was rumored to be a part of it, decided to exit the project. However, James Gunn and Peter Safran noted,

He was never attached. We never met with Daniel. He was just an idea. Well, we never really even announced Sgt. Rock.

Safran further explained about the movie by stating that what they love about Sgt. Rock is the fact that it’s an opportunity for them to tell a story about heroism and conflict compellingly and uniquely. The script for the movie is being penned down by Justin Kuritzkes, who wrote Challengers, and Safran added that Kuritzkes wrote a wonderful screenplay.

The movie is reportedly based on the DC Comic character of the same name, who first appeared in DC Comics’ Our Army at War in 1959. Reports have suggested that DC studios are now looking for an actor who can take the lead following Craig’s alleged exit.

Jeff Sneider has, however, shared (via CBR) that the studios are looking at Jeremy Allen White to take over. There has been no confirmation about Allen White.

Daniel Craig reacts to Amazon taking over the James Bond franchise

In a statement to Variety, James Bond actor Daniel Craig reacted to the news of James Bond’s longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli taking a step back and letting Amazon MGM take the lead for the creative control. He said,

My respect, admiration, and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished. I wish Michael a long, relaxing [well-deserved] retirement and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do. I know they will be spectacular, and I hope I can be a part of them.

Amazon bought MGM in 2021 and acquired the rights to distribute all James Bond movies but only owns 50% of the franchise.

Since Daniel Craig’s exit from the franchise after No Time To Die in 2021, there have been endless rumors about who is going to be the next James Bond, but there has been no update. Wilson, in a statement, noted,

With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects.

Broccoli, who plans to continue to work in the industry, is going to dedicate herself as a producer to other projects. She shared that her life has been dedicated to maintaining, and their father and producer, Cubby Broccoli, handed building the extraordinary legacy to Wilson and her. She added that she has had the honor of working closely with four tremendous actors who played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists.

With the conclusion of No Time to Die and Wilson retiring from films, Broccoli felt that it was her time to focus on her other projects.

No Time to Die is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.