Viola Davis is close to a multi-picture deal to play long-running DC Comics character Amanda Waller, as reported Friday by The Wrap, citing multiple sources "familiar with the project." This follows a previous report from last month stating that the "How to Get Away with Murder" star was Warner Bros.' pick for the role.

Davis would debut as Waller in 2016's "Suicide Squad" film, with more appearances in the DC movie universe to follow. Davis has been attached to "Suicide Squad" since the main cast was announced in early December, with a report stating she was among the top three choices for the Amanda Waller role, along with Octavia Spencer and Oprah Winfrey. Waller is a key component of most every modern incarnation of the Suicide Squad, as the government agent overseeing the team of villains-turned-mercenaries.

While promoting the soon-to-be-released film "Blackhat," Davis addressed the prospect of playing Amanda Waller in an article published Wednesday by Nerd Report, giving a strong indication she was on board: "I'm working out my schedule for 'Suicide Squad.'"

"I'm fascinated by her," Davis told Nerd Report of Waller. "I'm fascinated by her in this world of superhero-ness because she is not a woman that you would expect. I think that she is a massive contradiction. She's this big powerful black woman, hard, ready to pick up a gun and shoot anyone at will. I'm fascinated in exploring her psychology."

As had been previously raised, Davis' shooting schedule for "How to Get Away with Murder" -- one of the hits of the 2014-2015 network TV debuts -- makes committing to "Suicide Squad" tricky, but The Wrap reports the deal is expected to be official in the coming weeks. The movie already has an all-star cast, with Will Smith (Deadshot), Jared Leto (the Joker), Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn), Tom Hardy (Rick Flag), Jai Courtney (Captain Boomerang) and Cara Delevingne (Enchantress) all official in primary roles.

Directed by David Ayer, the "Suicide Squad" film -- part of the shared continuity between DC Comics-based films that started with "Man of Steel" and continues with "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" -- is expected for release on Aug. 5, 2016.