David Ayer, who wrote and directed 2016's Suicide Squad, has nothing but praise for Warner Bros.' selection of James Gunn for the sequel.

Following the surprise news on Tuesday that the fired Guardians of the Galaxy filmmaker will write, and possibly direct, Suicide Squad 2, Ayer tweeted, "I think it’s an incredibly brave and smart move by the studio. James is the right man for the job!" He then dismissed the suggestion by some fans that he was being sarcastic, or otherwise throwing shade at the studio.

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Although Suicide Squad was mauled by critics, it was a financial success for Warner Bros., grossing $746.8 million worldwide. Just as importantly, the film established Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn as a breakout character capable of supporting her own franchise. Perhaps that's why, shortly after the release of Suicide Squad, Ayer signed on to direct the Robbie-led spinoff Gotham City Sirens instead of the sequel.

I think it’s an incredibly brave and smart move by the studio. James is the right man for the job! https://t.co/KaVD3dQosR— David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) October 9, 2018

Of course, a lot has changed since 2016, with Gotham City Sirens seemingly morphing into Birds of Prey, directed by Cathy Yan. A growing frustration over that project is reportedly what spurred director/co-writer Gavin O'Connor to leave the Suicide Squad sequel, opening the door for Gunn.

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Ayer has said that, despite the negative reception, he doesn't regret his work on Suicide Squad. That said, he's acknowledged some of the film's mistakes, including not making Jared Leto's Joker the primary antagonist, and going a little too far with the character's tattoos.

The Suicide Squad sequel was reportedly fast-tracked in 2017 by Warner Bros., but missed what was thought to be to separate start dates in 2018. With the addition of Gunn, who's expected to take the franchise in a new direction, it's unclear when the studio intends to roll cameras.