REPORT: James Gunn's Suicide Squad Will Draw From This Iconic Run

CBR

By Sam Stone

Published Mar 9, 2019

A new report indicates filmmaker James Gunn's primary influence for his Suicide Squad film may come directly from classic comic run.

As preproduction ramps up on James Gunn's soft reboot of The Suicide Squad, a new report the film may take inspiration from a classic source.

Whereas David Ayer's original 2016 Suicide Squad has heavily informed by the New 52 run by Adam Glass, Frederico Dallocchio and Ransom Getty, Gunn's take on the team will reportedly be primarily influenced the classic 1980s series by John Ostrander and Kim Yale.

The acclaimed 80s run had Deadshot and Rick Flagg in central roles, with a rotating cast of supporting characters drawing from the extensive library of DC Comics' villains and antiheroes. Given the 80s influence in most of Gunn's films, including both Guardians of the Galaxy movies, this inspiration certainly lines up.

While unconfirmed, Margot Robbie and Viola Davis are both expected to reprise their roles as Harley Quinn and Amanda Waller, respectively. The production is also looking to recast Will Smith's Deadshot with Idris Elba reportedly in talks to replace Smith for the role after Smith dropped out citing scheduling conflicts.

Written and directed by James Gunn, The Suicide Squad is set to hit theaters on August 6, 2021.

(via The Hollywood Reporter)