It's been an interesting couple of years for DC Studios. The brand new creation of Warner Bros. Discovery, it was designed to launch a brand new DC Universe that would see some of the most iconic superheroes and supervillains unite under one shared continuity, with the ability to cross over with one another when needed. It would essentially be the DC Comics version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Warner's second attempt to create one on the silver screen after the DCEU didn't take off like they had hoped.
James Gunn and Peter Safran were drafted in to help run things as the co-chairmen and CEOs of the studio, and they have been hard at work to bring it to life. And while it will undoubtedly bring in the most iconic DC heroes of all, starting with this summer's Superman and next summer's Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, it also won't be afraid to take risks. Look no further than the DCU's first title (animated series Creature Commandos) or the upcoming horror film Clayface.
There is another somewhat experimental title on the horizon, and it has undergone a major recasting (in more ways than one!) that is sure to rock the DC fanbase to its core.
Colin Farrell in talks to join DC's Sgt. Rock
Colin Farrell is trading in his award-winning stint in Gotham City (for now) for a war epic set in another DC Universe. It has been revealed by Deadline that The Penguin star is currently in talks to join DC Studios' Sgt. Rock, which is set to be directed by Luca Guadagnino. He would be replacing Daniel Craig in the title role, after the James Bond star departed the film earlier this year.
A recast was necessary due to his exit, but that's not necessarily the "recast" that audiences are talking about. Farrell is enjoying one of the most successful runs of his career right now and that's all down to a different DC character that he currently plays. The star portrays Oz Cobb, better known as The Penguin, in Matt Reeves' Batman movie franchise. That franchise currently consists of 2022's The Batman and its 2024 HBO TV spinoff The Penguin.
Farrell appeared in both of those titles, but it was the second one that earned him critical acclaim. The star has since won a Golden Globe, Critics Choice, IFTA, and Saturn Award for his performance, with an Emmy nomination no doubt set to come this year. He's also expected to appear in upcoming sequel to the 2022 film, The Batman - Part II, with talks of a second season of the series also persisting.
While Farrell's casting in Sgt. Rock might seem curious to some, it's important to note that his role in the film won't impact his role as The Penguin. Not only does the fact that Farrell is unrecognizable as Oz Cobb mean that he could feasibly play another character, that's not even a concern, as Sgt. Rock exists in a separate continuity, serving as part of James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DC Universe instead - one that the Matt Reeves projects aren't a part of.
So Colin Farrell is set to succeed his award-winning run as iconic DC character with another DC role. It's clear to see that the formula is a successful one, so there is no doubt that excitement is at an all-time high for Sgt. Rock as we can't wait to see the magic that he and Guadagnino make together with the upcoming DCU film.
Sgt. Rock was first announced back in November 2024 with Daniel Craig attached to star. The actor departed the project in February 2025 before Colin Farrell's name was added to the mix.