An HBO Max promo teasing all the Warner Bros. films coming to the streaming service this year features a new look at the DC Extended Universe's The Suicide Squad.While brief, fans can catch glimpses of Bloodsport, Polka-Dot Man, Peacemaker, Ratcatcher 2 and Harley Quinn in the clip, as well as a shot of the full team trekking through what looks like pouring rain or snow.
The Suicide Squad -- like the other blockbusters teased in the promo -- will debut in theaters and on HBO Max the same day as part of a landmark move from WarnerMedia brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We're living in unprecedented times which call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group," WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group Chair and CEO Ann Sarnoff said in December 2020. "No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do. We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021. With this unique one-year plan, we can support our partners in exhibition with a steady pipeline of world-class films, while also giving moviegoers who may not have access to theaters or aren’t quite ready to go back to the movies the chance to see our amazing 2021 films. We see it as a win-win for film lovers and exhibitors, and we're extremely grateful to our filmmaking partners for working with us on this innovative response to these circumstances."
While the move was met with backlash by a number of prominent filmmakers, including Christopher Nolan, it was the performance of his latest film --Â Tenet -- that prompted WarnerMedia to make the shift after it failed to provide the theatrical resurgence the studio was hoping for.
Written and directed by James Gunn, The Suicide Squad stars Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Michael Rooker as Savant, Flula Borg as Javelin, David Dastmalchian as Polka-Dot Man, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Daniela Melchior as Ratcatcher 2, Idris Elba as Bloodsport, Mayling NG as Mongal, Peter Capaldi as The Thinker, Alice Braga as Solsoria, Steve Agee as King Shark, Pete Davidson as Blackguard, Nathan Fillion as TDK, Sean Gunn as Weasel, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, John Cena as Peacemaker, Taika Waititi and Storm Reid. The film arrives in theaters Aug. 6, 2021.