The 2016 DC film Suicide Squad, which received scathing criticism, was still a huge financial success. It grossed more than $745 millions worldwide. Warner Bros. Pictures has announced that Suicide Squad , will be a sequel. The film follows a team of new villains who are forced to accomplish a difficult mission.
The Suicide Squad, directed by James Gunn will be a soft remake of the franchise, set in WB’s universe of DC Comics, however, it is not the direct sequel of the 2016 film. It already boasts an impressive ensemble cast, which includes Margot Robbie, who plays Harley Quinn, as well as a number of DC Extended Universe newcomers, such John Cena and Taika Waititi.
Here’s what we know so far about the Suicide Squad, which is scheduled to be released in theaters on August 6, 2021.
The New Clips
Warner Bros. released two clips of the film ahead of its day-and date release on HBO Max, August 6.
Starro the Conqueror
James Gunn, while talking to Den of Geek regarding his decision to add Starro the Conquerer to the movie (and its R-rating), gave some insights into what you can expect from The Suicide Squad. Starro is funny because he’s ridiculous. Gunn described him as a cerulean-blue starfish that is also terrifying. When I was young, I found that the starfish was terrifying. I believe that this film is both ridiculous and frightening. He is a great villain in the film — or one of them, really.
Ridiculous, terrifying, R-rated.
The New Trailer
James Gunn has saved April Fool’s Day, not by making a joke but rather with the release of a new trailer that is true to The Suicide Squad. You won’t be able to resist the new footage, which includes Polka Dot Man throwing polka dot.
First TV ads
Here’s our first look at the reboot. It looks like Warner Bros. really has let James Gunn loose. Watch it:
The first #TheSuicideSquad television spot. Capaldi talks! pic.twitter.com/LiRnkoD2Hq
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 29, 2021
#TheSuicideSquad pic.twitter.com/nSecKu4Mnf #TheSuicideSquad pic.twitter.com/nSecKu4Mnf
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 30, 2021
Do not worry about your first
Suicide Squad is generally considered to be a soft remake and not a direct follow-up to the 2016 movie. However, some fans still wonder if they need to watch the original to fully understand the sequel. Enter director James Gunn:
You will be fine. https://t.co/D7agq9xv2Q
James Gunn, (@JamesGunn), January 27, 2021
Release on a specific date
Variety reported that Warner Bros. would release the entire Warner Bros. 2021 schedule day and date on HBO Max in December 2020. This includes Suicide Squad, which will be released on August 6. Yes, the film will be R-rated.
It’s R-rated.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 31, 2020
New poster
James Gunn is adding bizarre The Suicide Squad tweets:
Let’s just leave this right here. Was I not clear that the trailer will be released tomorrow? #TheSuicideSquad pic.twitter.com/VmB9n0rFSZ
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 25, 2021
The #DCFanDome may be over but #TheSuicideSquad will live on… at least till a large number of them are massacred by August 2021. You guys have no idea how grateful I am for all of your kind words & support yesterday. Thank you !???????? pic.twitter.com/iuw03UBAn8
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 23, 2020
Official logo
James Gunn shared the official title treatments for his upcoming movie on Twitter. They’ve also got titles in four different languages. You can check them out here:
The #TheSuicideSquad Team just gave me these incredible new title treatments as a birthday gift. And the cast and I have so much more to show you guys on Aug 22 at https://t.co/ioRsge6g7f. We’ll see you then! ? ??? #DC #DCFanDome @SuicideSquadWB pic.twitter.com/OwGc7nnkG2
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 5, 2020
The shift to a tone
Jai Courtney revealed in an interview with Variety that James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad is going to have a different tone from David Ayer’s Suicide Squad. Courtney stated, “It’s got a slightly different flavour.” There’s an entire cast of new characters. James Gunn’s approach is unique; he brings a lot to the suicide squad universe. It fits well and I believe audiences will have fun. .”
Courtney spoke with Screen Rant about the changing team dynamics and challenges associated with a “soft reboot” in September. He said, “I didn’t think anyone felt like they had to change what was already in place, but Boomerang is still the same. It’s just that the background and the number of people have changed.” It’s only that there are more people and a different backdrop, which will give it a new flavor and feel. But people will still have fun watching it. We had great time filming it.
Keep on Track
James Gunn, the director of The Suicide Squad, assured his fans on Twitter that the movie is “on schedule or even ahead.”
What is the status of The Suicide Squad? As of right now, we are on track. https://t.co/bP9XDHFDsJ
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 9, 2020
There’s currently no reason to change the release date of #TheSuicideSquad. On or even ahead of schedule. The studio & post-production team were able to set up the editing at our home before quarantine. https://t.co/URRFXX58r3
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 12, 2020
As you can imagine, while editing #TheSuicideSquad was pretty easy during quarantine (I am working on the final cut now), other factors have slowed down – including releasing trailers and images. https://t.co/Mk64ax3fUu
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 12, 2020
Personal Director’s Note
James Gunn, the director of Suicide Squad, posted an image of his cast and crew in Atlanta, Georgia, in March. The picture included a personal message. Gunn is not the only director to post on social media when filming ends, but his message was particularly poignant.
Gunn says that the production of this film was marred with tragedy. Gunn’s father passed away two weeks prior to the start of filming, and then his dog also died just two weeks later. Gunn admitted that the situation was difficult, but that it had been “the most rewarding time” he’d ever experienced making a film.
Suicide Squad is scheduled for release in summer 2021. There’s still a long way to go, but Gunn’s personal and existentially hopeful note could inspire confidence.
Harley Quinn in a new look
Margot Robbie, fresh from the premier of her team up film Harley Quinn Birds of Prey was seen on the set of The Suicide Squad. Director James Gunn also joined the actress. The photo of Robbie shows the look that she will be wearing as Harley Quinn.
Margot Robbie is Harley Quinn in the new image from “The Suicide Squad”. pic.twitter.com/3TMPEO1450
— Harley Quinn Headquarters ???? The official Twitter account of Harley Quinn (@QuinnofDiamonds), February 12, 2020
Cast of The Full Movie
James Gunn, the director of the movie The Suicide Squad revealed in September 2019 the cast for the film. Gunn posted the list on Twitter with a warning to fans: “Don’t become too attached.”
Do not get attached. #TheSuicideSquad pic.twitter.com/uITPhrDzz2
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 13, 2019
Along with Robbie, the cast of 2016’s film will include Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Captain Boomerang and Joel Kinnaman, Rick Flagg. John Cena will be joining them in unknown roles along with Pete Davidson and Idris Davidson. Nathan Fillion, a former Doctor Who, and Peter Capaldi from Firefly are also expected to join.
Daniela Melchior, as Ratcatcher, and David Dastmalchian, as Polka Dot Man are among the characters that have been confirmed. Flula Borg is one of the cast members who have not been identified. Other actors playing unknown roles are Sean Gunn and Jennifer Holland.
Gunn shared a picture of him with the cast of his film later in that month.
This photo shows (from left to right) Flula, Borg, Daniela, Melchior David Dastmalchian Gunn Jennifer Holland Nathan Fillion Sean Gunn and Mayling.
Will Smith and Jared Leto will not be coming back to reprise their roles as Deadshot and Joker in the original film. Both actors won’t be reprising their roles in Suicide Squad.
Change of director
James Gunn, the celebrated director who had been temporarily removed from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. Marvel Studios dropped James Gunn from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 due to controversy over insensitive tweets that he made years ago. WB then hired him to write and direct The Suicide Squad. Initially hired to rewrite a script, he signed on as director in October 2018.
Gavin O’Connor was initially selected by Warner Bros. to direct Suicide Squadsequel. O’Connor wrote and directed the action movie The Accountant, before leaving the project when Birds of Prey, which reportedly had a similar plot got green-lit instead.
Mel Gibson was rumored as being on WB’s list of directors before O’Connor got the gig. Gibson is apparently in high demand following the success Hacksaw Ridge. Jaume Colllet-Serra from Spain, director of the shark attack film The Shallows was initially the frontrunner for this project, but then he moved on to direct Disney’s Jungle Cruise.
