The Suicide Squad writer/director James Gunn is teasing a new spinoff project set in the DC Extended Universe.
Gunn took to Twitter to post a screenshot of Scottish actor Peter Capaldi in his DCEU role of Gaius Grieves/The Thinker. "I can’t wait to tell you all the big plans we currently have in play," wrote Gunn. At the time of writing, the specific project mentioned by the acclaimed director is currently unknown.
Created by Gardner Fox and Everett E. Hibbard, The Thinker originally debuted in All-Flash #12 in 1943. Though there were several versions over the years in DC Comics lore, the one that was most associated with the Suicide Squad was the unidentified Thinker in the New 52 reboot era, who served as a primary villain for the team.
In The Suicide Squad, The Thinker was integral to the creation of Project Starfish. Employed by Corto Maltese's dictatorship, Gaius Grieves was assigned to study Starro the Conqueror in a Nazi-era base called Jötunheim for three decades. He was later captured by Task Force X and used to fight against dictator Silvio Luna. Capaldi's character met his ultimate demise by the wrath of Starro, who tore him apart. The Thinker's original death was gorier until Gunn toned it down for the final cut. "Most things for me come down to my gut & pacing," said Gunn. "That moment came at a time when we're really moving - boom boom boom - and although it's glorious (VFX work by Weta) it acted like an unnecessary pause in the film."
Gunn has previously hinted at a second Suicide Squad spinoff series in development at HBO Max. "I can't say anything," said Gunn. "It is connected to this universe, and I don't think it will be the same genre as Peacemaker; it won't be as much a comedy as Peacemaker, but it will be in the same universe," Gunn explained.
Until his big plans get an official announcement, Gunn will continue to expand the DCEU with several fan-favorite characters from The Suicide Squad. An Amanda Waller series starring Viola Davis is reportedly in development along with Peacemaker Season 2, starring John Cena as the violent nationalist anti-hero Christopher Smith/Peacemaker. Gunn has also teased the return of Task Force X veteran Weasel, played by his brother Sean Gunn.
The Suicide Squad is now streaming on HBO Max.
Source: Twitter