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''The Suicide Squad'' is a 2021 American
superhero film A superhero film (or superhero movie) is a film that focuses on the actions of superheroes. Superheroes are individuals who possess superhuman abilities and are dedicated to protecting the public. These films typically feature action, advent ...
based on the
DC Comics DC Comics, Inc. ( doing business as DC) is an American comic book publisher and the flagship unit of DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC Comics is one of the largest and oldest American comic book companies, with the ...
team
Suicide Squad The Suicide Squad is an antihero/supervillain team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first version of the Suicide Squad debuted in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #25 (September 1959) and the second and modern version, cre ...
. Produced by
DC Films DC Studios is an American film and television studio that is a division of Warner Bros., which is a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. It is dedicated to the production of films, series, and animations based on characters from DC Comics, ...
,
Atlas Entertainment Atlas Entertainment is an American film financing and production company, started by Charles Roven, Bob Cavallo and Dawn Steel in 1995. History In 1990, Charles Roven and partner Bob Cavallo formed Roven/Cavallo Entertainment. At the same tim ...
, and The Safran Company, and distributed by
Warner Bros. Pictures Warner Bros. Pictures is an American film production and distribution company of the Warner Bros. Pictures Group division of Warner Bros. Entertainment (both ultimately owned by Warner Bros. Discovery). The studio is the flagship producer of li ...
, it is a
standalone sequel A sequel is a work of literature, film, theatre, television, music or video game that continues the story of, or expands upon, some earlier work. In the common context of a narrative work of fiction, a sequel portrays events set in t ...
to ''
Suicide Squad The Suicide Squad is an antihero/supervillain team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first version of the Suicide Squad debuted in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #25 (September 1959) and the second and modern version, cre ...
'' (2016) and the 10th film in the
DC Extended Universe The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films and television series produced by DC Studios and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is based on characters that ...
(DCEU). It was written and directed by
James Gunn James Francis Gunn Jr. (born August 5, 1966) is an American filmmaker and executive. He began his career as a screenwriter in the mid-1990s, starting at Troma Entertainment with ''Tromeo and Juliet'' (1997). He then began working as a directo ...
and stars an
ensemble cast In a dramatic production, an ensemble cast is one that is composed of multiple principal actors and performers who are typically assigned roughly equal amounts of screen time.Random House: ensemble acting Linked 2013-07-17 Structure In contrast t ...
including
Margot Robbie Margot Elise Robbie (; born 2 July 1990) is an Australian actress and producer. Known for her work in both blockbuster and independent films, she has received several accolades, including nominations for two Academy Awards, four Golden Glob ...
,
Idris Elba Idrissa Akuna Elba (; born 6 September 1972) is an English actor.
,
John Cena John Felix Anthony Cena ( ; born April 23, 1977) is an American part-time professional wrestler, actor, and former rapper. He is currently signed to WWE. Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, he is tied ...
,
Joel Kinnaman Charles Joel Nordström Kinnaman (; born 25 November 1979) is a Swedish-American actor and model who first gained recognition for his roles in the Swedish film '' Easy Money'' and the '' Johan Falk'' crime series. Kinnaman is known internationa ...
,
Sylvester Stallone Sylvester Enzio Stallone (; born Michael Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone, ) is an American actor and filmmaker. After his beginnings as a struggling actor for a number of years upon arriving to New York City in 1969 and later Hollywood in 1974, h ...
,
Viola Davis Viola Davis (; born August 11, 1965) is an American actress and producer. The recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards, she is the only African-American to achieve the Triple Crow ...
,
David Dastmalchian David Dastmalchian (; born July 21, 1975) is an American film and stage actor. He has had supporting roles in a number of superhero franchises; he portrayed Thomas Schiff in ''The Dark Knight'', Kurt in the first two Marvel Cinematic Universe ...
,
Daniela Melchior Daniela Melchior ((); born November 1, 1996) is a Portuguese actress. After beginning her career in her home country, she garnered worldwide attention with her English-language debut as Ratcatcher 2 in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) film '' Th ...
,
Michael Rooker Michael Rooker (born April 6, 1955) is an American actor known for his roles as Henry in '' Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer'' (1986), Chick Gandil in ''Eight Men Out'' (1988), Frank Baily in '' Mississippi Burning'' (1988), Terry Cruger in '' ...
,
Jai Courtney Jai Courtney (; born 15 March 1986) is an Australian actor. He started his career with small roles in films and television series before being cast as Charlie in the action film '' Jack Reacher'' (2012). He has gone on to star in '' A Good Day t ...
,
Peter Capaldi Peter Dougan Capaldi (; born 14 April 1958) is a Scottish actor, director, writer and musician. He portrayed the twelfth incarnation of the Doctor in ''Doctor Who'' (2013–2017) and Malcolm Tucker in '' The Thick of It'' (2005–2012), for ...
,
Alice Braga Alice Braga Moraes (; born 15 April 1983) is a Brazilian actress and producer. She has appeared in several Brazilian films, starring as Angélica in the acclaimed '' City of God'' (2002), Karinna in ''Lower City'' (2005), and Dolores in '' Only ...
, and
Pete Davidson Peter Michael Davidson (born November 16, 1993) is an American comedian and actor. He was a cast member of the NBC late-night sketch comedy series ''Saturday Night Live'' (SNL) for eight seasons, running from 2014 to 2022. Davidson's ...
. In the film, several convicts join a task force known as the "Suicide Squad" in exchange for lighter sentences. They are sent to the
South American South America is a continent entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere at the northern tip of the continent. It can also be described as the southe ...
island nation of
Corto Maltese ''Corto Maltese'' is a series of adventure and fantasy comics named after the character Corto Maltese, an adventurous sailor. It was created by the Italian comic book creator Hugo Pratt in 1967. The comics are highly praised as some of the most ...
to destroy all traces of the giant alien starfish
Starro the Conqueror Starro (also known as Starro the Conqueror) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 (February–March 1960). It was created by Gardner Fox and Mike ...
before it falls into the local government's control.
David Ayer David Ayer (born January 18 , 1968) is an American filmmaker known for making crime films that are set in Los Angeles and deal with gangs and police corruption. His screenplays include ''Training Day'' (2001), ''The Fast and the Furious'' (2001 ...
was set to return as director for a ''Suicide Squad'' sequel by March 2016, but in December he chose to work on other projects. Warner Bros. considered several replacements before hiring Gavin O'Connor in September 2017. He left due to creative differences, and Gunn was hired in October 2018 to write and direct the film after being temporarily fired by
Disney The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney (), is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was originally founded on October ...
and
Marvel Studios Marvel Studios, LLC (originally known as Marvel Films from 1993 to 1996) is an American film and television production company that is a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios, a division of the Walt Disney Company. Marvel Studios produces the Ma ...
as director of '' Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'' (2023). He drew inspiration from
war film War film is a film genre concerned with warfare, typically about navy, naval, air force, air, or army, land battles, with combat scenes central to the drama. It has been strongly associated with the 20th century. The fateful nature of battle s ...
s and
John Ostrander John Ostrander (born April 20, 1949) is an American writer of comic books, including '' Suicide Squad'', ''Grimjack'' and '' Star Wars: Legacy''. Career Ostrander studied theology with the intent of becoming a Catholic priest, but now describes ...
's 1980s ''Suicide Squad'' comics, and explored new characters in a story separate from the first film's narrative though some cast members do return from ''Suicide Squad''. Filming took place from September 2019 to February 2020, primarily in
Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta ( ) is the capital city, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georgia, Fulton County, the mos ...
, as well as in
Colón, Panama Colón () is a city and seaport in Panama, beside the Caribbean Sea, lying near the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal. It is the capital of Panama's Colón Province and has traditionally been known as Panama's second city. Originally it was ...
, and
Porto, Portugal Porto or Oporto () is the second-largest city in Portugal, the capital of the Porto District, and one of the Iberian Peninsula's major urban areas. Porto city proper, which is the entire municipality of Porto, is small compared to its metropol ...
. The film had the biggest sets ever built for a Warner Bros. production. ''The Suicide Squad'' premiered theatrically in the United Kingdom on July 30, 2021. It was released in the United States on August 5, simultaneously in theaters and on the streaming service
HBO Max HBO Max is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. Launched in the United States on May 27, 2020, the service is built around the libraries of HBO, Warner Bros., Cartoon Ne ...
. The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances, action sequences, Gunn's writing, direction, and visual style, with many deeming it a significant improvement over its predecessor. The film became the most-streamed DCEU film on HBO Max, but underperformed at the box office and only grossed $168.7 million worldwide against a production budget of $185 million, which was attributed to factors such as the
COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identi ...
, the film's availability on HBO Max, and its relationship to the first ''Suicide Squad''. ''
Peacemaker Peacemaker or The Peacemaker (in various forms) may refer to: Individuals and groups * UN Peacemaker, a project of the UN to support international peacemakers and mediators * Peace makers, a list of contemporary individuals and organizations inv ...
'', a spin-off television series starring Cena, debuted on HBO Max in January 2022. Two other spin-off series are in development for HBO Max.


Plot

Intelligence officer
Amanda Waller Amanda Blake Waller (née White), also known as "the Wall", is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''Legends'' #1 in 1986 and was created by John Ostrander, Len Wein, and ...
assembles two
Task Force X The following is a list of fictional government agencies, comic book organizations that have been published by DC Comics and their imprints. A Agency The Agency was formed by Amanda Waller to serve as a small, quasi-independent branch of Task ...
teams, colloquially known as the "
Suicide Squad The Suicide Squad is an antihero/supervillain team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first version of the Suicide Squad debuted in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #25 (September 1959) and the second and modern version, cre ...
", which comprise Belle Reve penitentiary inmates who agree to carry out a mission in exchange for shortened sentences. Sent to the South American island nation of
Corto Maltese ''Corto Maltese'' is a series of adventure and fantasy comics named after the character Corto Maltese, an adventurous sailor. It was created by the Italian comic book creator Hugo Pratt in 1967. The comics are highly praised as some of the most ...
after its government is overthrown by an anti-American regime, the teams are tasked with destroying the
Nazi Nazism ( ; german: Nazismus), the common name in English for National Socialism (german: Nationalsozialismus, ), is the far-right totalitarian political ideology and practices associated with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (NSDAP) in ...
-era laboratory Jötunheim, which houses the secret experiment "Project Starfish". One team is almost entirely wiped out by the Corto Maltese military upon landing, with only team leader Colonel Rick Flag and
Harley Quinn Harley Quinn is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Quinn was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm as a comic relief henchwoman for the supervillain Joker in '' Batman: The Animated Series'', and debuted in i ...
surviving. The ambush on the first team serves as a diversion, allowing the second team to enter the country undetected. Led by assassin Bloodsport, the surviving team consists of
Peacemaker Peacemaker or The Peacemaker (in various forms) may refer to: Individuals and groups * UN Peacemaker, a project of the UN to support international peacemakers and mediators * Peace makers, a list of contemporary individuals and organizations inv ...
,
King Shark King Shark is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The character, also known as Nanaue, was created by writer Karl Kesel and artist Tom Grummett. King Shark's first key appearance was in ''Superboy'' #0 (October 1994) ...
,
Polka-Dot Man The Polka-Dot Man (Abner Krill) is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. He is primarily a minor enemy of Batman, and belongs to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery. The character made his liv ...
, and Ratcatcher 2. Waller orders the squad to find Flag, who escaped from the military but was captured by rebel soldiers. The team find the rebel base and massacre the soldiers, only to learn that Flag had been saved by rebellion leader Sol Soria. Despite the group's actions, Soria agrees to help them infiltrate the capital where they capture Project Starfish's lead scientist, the Thinker. Harley is captured by the Corto Maltese government and taken to the new dictator, Silvio Luna, who wishes to marry her. After learning of Luna's plans to use Project Starfish, Harley kills him and escapes. She joins the others, who use the Thinker to break into Jötunheim and begin rigging it with explosives. Flag and Ratcatcher 2 enter the Project Starfish laboratory with the Thinker and find
Starro the Conqueror Starro (also known as Starro the Conqueror) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 (February–March 1960). It was created by Gardner Fox and Mike ...
, a giant starfish-like alien that creates smaller versions of itself to kill people and control their bodies. The Thinker explains that Starro was brought to Earth by the U.S. government, which has secretly funded the experiments for decades using Corto Maltese citizens as test subjects. An enraged Flag decides to leak a hard drive containing evidence of this, but is killed by Peacemaker, who is under orders from Waller to cover-up the U.S.'s involvement. Meanwhile, a skirmish between the rest of the team and the military leads to Polka-Dot Man accidentally setting off the explosives prematurely. As Jötunheim crumbles, the drive falls into Ratcatcher 2's possession. Peacemaker attempts to execute her for knowing the truth about Starro, but Bloodsport shoots him and takes the drive. Starro escapes the destroyed Jötunheim, brutally kills the Thinker and much of the military, and begins taking control of the island's population. Waller tells the squad that their mission is complete and orders them to leave, but Bloodsport decides to lead the team in fighting Starro; Waller attempts to execute them for this, but her subordinates knock her out. After Starro kills Polka-Dot Man, Harley pierces a hole in its eye, allowing Ratcatcher 2 to summon the city's rats to chew Starro to death from the inside. With the military diverted, Soria takes control of the government and pledges democratic elections. Bloodsport forces Waller to release him and the surviving squad members in exchange for keeping the contents of the drive confidential, and they are airlifted out of Corto Maltese. In a
mid-credits scene A post-credits scene (commonly referred to as a stinger or credit cookie) or mid-credits scene is a short clip that appears after all or some of the closing credits have rolled and sometimes after a production logo of a film, TV series, or video g ...
, it is revealed that
Weasel Weasels are mammals of the genus ''Mustela'' of the family Mustelidae. The genus ''Mustela'' includes the least weasels, polecats, stoats, ferrets and European mink. Members of this genus are small, active predators, with long and slend ...
, one of the first team’s members who was believed to be dead while drowning at the shore, is still alive, having survived drowning. In a
post-credits scene A post-credits scene (commonly referred to as a stinger or credit cookie) or mid-credits scene is a short clip that appears after all or some of the closing credits have rolled and sometimes after a production logo of a film, TV series, or video g ...
, Waller punishes her subordinates by assigning them to a new mission with Peacemaker, who is recovering in a hospital.


Cast

*
Margot Robbie Margot Elise Robbie (; born 2 July 1990) is an Australian actress and producer. Known for her work in both blockbuster and independent films, she has received several accolades, including nominations for two Academy Awards, four Golden Glob ...
as Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn:
A crazed criminal and former
psychiatrist A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in psychiatry, the branch of medicine devoted to the diagnosis, prevention, study, and treatment of mental disorders. Psychiatrists are physicians and evaluate patients to determine whether their sy ...
. Robbie said the film would show a new side of the character compared to her previous
DC Extended Universe The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films and television series produced by DC Studios and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is based on characters that ...
(DCEU) appearances due to her being in a new place and surrounded by new characters. Despite inheriting this version of Harley from previous films, writer/director
James Gunn James Francis Gunn Jr. (born August 5, 1966) is an American filmmaker and executive. He began his career as a screenwriter in the mid-1990s, starting at Troma Entertainment with ''Tromeo and Juliet'' (1997). He then began working as a directo ...
loved the character and felt very comfortable writing for her. He wanted her to be "the most Harley of all Harleys" depicted on film, including making "healthy" choices, following her toxic relationship with the Joker, that other people would find insane. He likened Harley's relationship with Bloodsport to the comedy duo
Abbott and Costello Abbott may refer to: People * Abbott (surname) *Abbott Handerson Thayer (1849–1921), American painter and naturalist * Abbott and Costello, famous American vaudeville act Places Argentina * Abbott, Buenos Aires United States * Abbott, Arkansas ...
, with Harley being Costello. *
Idris Elba Idrissa Akuna Elba (; born 6 September 1972) is an English actor.
as Robert DuBois / Bloodsport:
A mercenary with a technologically advanced suit that he can use to create different gadgets and transforming weaponry (an adaptation of the comic book character's ability to manifest weapons). After being convicted of shooting
Superman Superman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and debuted in the comic book '' Action Comics'' #1 ( cover-dated June 1938 and pu ...
with a
Kryptonite Kryptonite is a fictional material that appears primarily in Superman stories published by DC Comics. In its best-known form, it is a green, crystalline material originating from Superman's home world of Krypton that emits a unique, poisonous r ...
bullet, Bloodsport shortens his prison sentence by joining
Task Force X The following is a list of fictional government agencies, comic book organizations that have been published by DC Comics and their imprints. A Agency The Agency was formed by Amanda Waller to serve as a small, quasi-independent branch of Task ...
so he can help his daughter Tyla. Gunn said each member of the Suicide Squad in the film was inspired by a different film genre, and described Bloodsport as an unsentimental portrayal of a 1960s action hero like
Steve McQueen Terrence Stephen McQueen (March 24, 1930November 7, 1980) was an American actor. His antihero persona, emphasized during the height of the counterculture of the 1960s, made him a top box-office draw for his films of the late 1950s, 1960s, and ...
, without their "moral repercussions". The character's story in the film takes him from a "toxic asshole to a true leader". *
John Cena John Felix Anthony Cena ( ; born April 23, 1977) is an American part-time professional wrestler, actor, and former rapper. He is currently signed to WWE. Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, he is tied ...
as Christopher Smith / Peacemaker:
A ruthless,
jingoistic Jingoism is nationalism in the form of aggressive and proactive foreign policy, such as a country's advocacy for the use of threats or actual force, as opposed to peaceful relations, in efforts to safeguard what it perceives as its national int ...
killer who believes in achieving peace at any cost. Gunn told Cena not to read any Peacemaker comics before filming, and Cena originally approached the role with an "angular, drill sergeant, ''
Full Metal Jacket ''Full Metal Jacket'' is a 1987 war drama film directed and produced by Stanley Kubrick, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Herr and Gustav Hasford. The film is based on Hasford's 1979 novel '' The Short-Timers'' and stars Matt ...
''-esque personality" before Gunn told him to act like a "douchey, bro-y
Captain America Captain America is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by cartoonists Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''#Golden Age, Captain America Comics'' #1 (cover ...
" who could have appeared in a 1970s television series like ''
Wonder Woman Wonder Woman is a superhero created by the American psychologist and writer William Moulton Marston (pen name: Charles Moulton), and artist Harry G. Peter. Marston's wife, Elizabeth, and their life partner, Olive Byrne, are credited as bein ...
''. The character does not get as much exploration or development as the other members of the Suicide Squad, which is one of the reasons that Gunn decided to create the spin-off television series ''
Peacemaker Peacemaker or The Peacemaker (in various forms) may refer to: Individuals and groups * UN Peacemaker, a project of the UN to support international peacemakers and mediators * Peace makers, a list of contemporary individuals and organizations inv ...
'' despite him originally intending for the character's apparent death in the film to be permanent. *
Joel Kinnaman Charles Joel Nordström Kinnaman (; born 25 November 1979) is a Swedish-American actor and model who first gained recognition for his roles in the Swedish film '' Easy Money'' and the '' Johan Falk'' crime series. Kinnaman is known internationa ...
as Colonel Rick Flag:
The field leader of the Suicide Squad. Gunn said Flag was the character that changed the most compared to the first ''
Suicide Squad The Suicide Squad is an antihero/supervillain team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first version of the Suicide Squad debuted in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #25 (September 1959) and the second and modern version, cre ...
'' (2016), with Kinnaman describing this version as sillier, less jaded, more naive, and funnier. Gunn said Kinnaman was not used to comedic acting but "quickly showed a talent and an affinity" for it. Flag begins the film on the Suicide Squad team that Amanda Waller sends as a decoy, and a deleted scene would have explained that she did this because he made fun of an ugly shirt she was wearing. Gunn said Flag has grown sick of being taken advantage of and doing bad things, which leads to him disobeying Waller and being killed by Peacemaker. *
Sylvester Stallone Sylvester Enzio Stallone (; born Michael Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone, ) is an American actor and filmmaker. After his beginnings as a struggling actor for a number of years upon arriving to New York City in 1969 and later Hollywood in 1974, h ...
as the voice of Nanaue / King Shark:
A man-eating shark-human hybrid, created with visual effects.
Steve Agee Steven Douglas Agee (; born February 26, 1969) is an American comedian, actor, writer and musician, known for roles including Steve Myron on the Comedy Central series '' The Sarah Silverman Program'' and as John Economos in the 2021 superhero f ...
, a longtime friend of Gunn's, developed King Shark's portrayal on set. He was chosen partly because he is , and wore a wireframe version of a shark head as well as a body suit to further approximate the character's size and shape. Gunn wanted the underlying story for King Shark to explore his loneliness as someone who wants to be part of the world and connect with other people, but is not able to due to his appearance. This is seen in moments where he pretends to read or looks longingly out a window at a couple who are together. *
Viola Davis Viola Davis (; born August 11, 1965) is an American actress and producer. The recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards, she is the only African-American to achieve the Triple Crow ...
as
Amanda Waller Amanda Blake Waller (née White), also known as "the Wall", is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''Legends'' #1 in 1986 and was created by John Ostrander, Len Wein, and ...
:
The director of A.R.G.U.S. who runs the Task Force X program. Gunn said Waller, along with the U.S. government, is the true villain of the film, which explores the different reactions that the Suicide Squad have to her asking them to cover-up illegal experiments in
Corto Maltese ''Corto Maltese'' is a series of adventure and fantasy comics named after the character Corto Maltese, an adventurous sailor. It was created by the Italian comic book creator Hugo Pratt in 1967. The comics are highly praised as some of the most ...
. He added that there was "no better Amanda Waller" than Davis, and said she was "incredibly intimidating" when portraying the character. *
David Dastmalchian David Dastmalchian (; born July 21, 1975) is an American film and stage actor. He has had supporting roles in a number of superhero franchises; he portrayed Thomas Schiff in ''The Dark Knight'', Kurt in the first two Marvel Cinematic Universe ...
as Abner Krill / Polka-Dot Man:
An "experiment gone wrong" in a suit covered with polka dots. Gunn described Polka-Dot Man as "the dumbest DC character of all time" whom he hoped to turn into a tragic character, with the film's version being infected with an interdimensional virus by his mother in an attempt to turn him into a superhero. The virus develops into colorful balls of acid under Krill's skin that cause him pain unless he expels them as polka-dot weapons or vomits them up. Unbeknownst to Gunn, Dastmalchian felt a personal connection to the character because he has the skin condition
vitiligo Vitiligo is a disorder that causes the skin to lose its color. Specific causes are unknown but studies suggest a link to immune system changes. Signs and symptoms The only sign of vitiligo is the presence of pale patchy areas of depigmen ...
, for which he was bullied as a child and called "polka dots". *
Daniela Melchior Daniela Melchior ((); born November 1, 1996) is a Portuguese actress. After beginning her career in her home country, she garnered worldwide attention with her English-language debut as Ratcatcher 2 in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) film '' Th ...
as Cleo Cazo / Ratcatcher 2:
A thief who inherited the mantle of " Ratcatcher" from her father, along with equipment that allows her to control rats and communicate with them. Gunn described her as the "heart of the film", and noted that she is different from the other characters because she had her father's love growing up where the other characters had problematic relationships with their parents. Gunn explained that the moment where Ratcatcher 2 covers Bloodsport to protect him from the rats at the end of the film signifies her being able to share her father's love with him, which is why the moment is intercut with a flashback of her sitting with her father. *
Michael Rooker Michael Rooker (born April 6, 1955) is an American actor known for his roles as Henry in '' Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer'' (1986), Chick Gandil in ''Eight Men Out'' (1988), Frank Baily in '' Mississippi Burning'' (1988), Terry Cruger in '' ...
as Brian Durlin / Savant: a hand-to-hand combat and weapons expert. He is killed in the opening scene when Waller detonates a bomb in his head for deserting the mission. *
Jai Courtney Jai Courtney (; born 15 March 1986) is an Australian actor. He started his career with small roles in films and television series before being cast as Charlie in the action film '' Jack Reacher'' (2012). He has gone on to star in '' A Good Day t ...
as Digger Harkness / Captain Boomerang: an unhinged Australian thief who wields boomerangs. Courtney said the character was "the same shitbag liability" he was in the first film. *
Peter Capaldi Peter Dougan Capaldi (; born 14 April 1958) is a Scottish actor, director, writer and musician. He portrayed the twelfth incarnation of the Doctor in ''Doctor Who'' (2013–2017) and Malcolm Tucker in '' The Thick of It'' (2005–2012), for ...
as Gaius Grieves / The Thinker: the lead scientist of Project Starfish, who has been experimenting on
Starro the Conqueror Starro (also known as Starro the Conqueror) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 (February–March 1960). It was created by Gardner Fox and Mike ...
on behalf of the U.S. government. *
Alice Braga Alice Braga Moraes (; born 15 April 1983) is a Brazilian actress and producer. She has appeared in several Brazilian films, starring as Angélica in the acclaimed '' City of God'' (2002), Karinna in ''Lower City'' (2005), and Dolores in '' Only ...
as Sol Soria: the leader of a rebel faction on Corto Maltese who aligns herself with the Suicide Squad. *
Pete Davidson Peter Michael Davidson (born November 16, 1993) is an American comedian and actor. He was a cast member of the NBC late-night sketch comedy series ''Saturday Night Live'' (SNL) for eight seasons, running from 2014 to 2022. Davidson's ...
as Richard "Dick" Hertz / Blackguard: an easily manipulated mercenary. He betrays the first Suicide Squad team to the Corto Maltese military, who then kill him. In addition to playing King Shark on set, Steve Agee portrays John Economos, an A.R.G.U.S. agent who is an aide to Waller. Other aides to Waller include
Jennifer Holland Jennifer Holland (born November 9, 1987) is an American actress and model. She is best known for her work as Emilia Harcourt in the DC Extended Universe productions '' The Suicide Squad'' (2021), '' Peacemaker'', and ''Black Adam'' (both 202 ...
as
Emilia Harcourt The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on superhero films and other series starring various titular superheroes produced by DC Films, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, and based on ...
and Tinashe Kajese as Flo Crawley. The ill-fated first Suicide Squad team includes Savant, Captain Boomerang, and Blackguard, as well as
Nathan Fillion Nathan Fillion (; born March 27, 1971) is a Canadian-American actor. He played the leading roles of Captain Malcolm Reynolds, Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds on ''Firefly (TV series), Firefly'' and its film continuation ''Serenity (2005 film), Serenity'', ...
as Cory Pitzner / T.D.K. (The Detachable Kid), a metahuman who can detach his arms from his body;
Flula Borg Flula Borg (; born 28 March 1982) is a German actor, comedian, musician, DJ, and internet personality who is also known simply as Flula (sometimes stylized as f, u, a) or DJ Flula. He lives in Los Angeles. Borg's acting career includes roles in f ...
as Gunter Braun / Javelin, a former Olympic athlete who wields
javelin A javelin is a light spear designed primarily to be thrown, historically as a ranged weapon, but today predominantly for sport. The javelin is almost always thrown by hand, unlike the sling, bow, and crossbow, which launch projectiles with the ...
s as weapons; Mayling Ng as
Mongal Josephine MacDonald Josephine MacDonald, also known as Josie Mac, is a police officer of GCPD, first appearing in ''Detective Comics'' #763 (December 2001), created by Judd Winick and Cliff Chiang. Josie Mac had a promising career ahead of her, ...
, an alien mass murderer; and
Sean Gunn Sean Gunn (born May 22, 1974) is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Kirk Gleason on The WB series ''Gilmore Girls'' (2000–2007), and Kraglin Obfonteri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In this role, he has been in the films ''Gu ...
as
Weasel Weasels are mammals of the genus ''Mustela'' of the family Mustelidae. The genus ''Mustela'' includes the least weasels, polecats, stoats, ferrets and European mink. Members of this genus are small, active predators, with long and slend ...
, an anthropomorphic weasel whose portrayal is based on
Bill the Cat Bill the Cat, or Bill D. Cat, is a fictional cat appearing in the works of cartoonist Berkeley Breathed, beginning with the comic strip ''Bloom County'' in the 1980s and continuing in '' Outland'' and '' Opus'' in the following decades. Bill a ...
from the comic strip ''
Bloom County ''Bloom County'' is an American comic strip by Berkeley Breathed which originally ran from December 8, 1980, until August 6, 1989. It examined events in politics and culture through the viewpoint of a fanciful small town in Middle America, whe ...
''. James Gunn said Weasel was "barely more than an animal" which raised some ethical questions about his involvement in the squad. Also appearing in the film are
Juan Diego Botto Juan Diego Botto Rota (born 29 August 1975) is an Argentine-Spanish film, stage and television actor. Born in Argentina, he moved to Spain together with his mother (the actress and acting coach Cristina Rota) in 1978. Following early film appe ...
as Silvio Luna, the dictator of Corto Maltese who tries to woo Harley Quinn;
Joaquín Cosío Joaquín Cosío Osuna (born 6 October 1962) is a Mexican actor and poet. He is best known for roles such as Rubén "Mascarita" in ''Matando Cabos'' (2004), General Medrano in ''Quantum of Solace'' (2008), Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo in '' Narco ...
as Mateo Suárez, the Major General of Corto Maltese;
Storm Reid Storm Reid is an American actress. After playing a small role in the television film '' A Cross to Bear'' (2012), Reid made her acting debut with an appearance in the period drama film ''12 Years a Slave'' (2013). She earned recognition for a s ...
as Bloodsport's daughter Tyla; Julio Ruiz as Milton, an associate of Task Force X; Lynne Ashe as Polka-Dot Man's mother; and
Taika Waititi Taika David Cohen (born 16 August 1975), known professionally as Taika Waititi ( ), is a New Zealand filmmaker, actor, and comedian. He is a recipient of an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Grammy Award, and has received two nominations at ...
as Ratcatcher 2's father, the original Ratcatcher. In addition to Weasel, Sean Gunn also portrays
Calendar Man Calendar Man (Julian Gregory Day) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, as an enemy of the superhero Batman, belonging to the collective of adversaries that make up Batman's rogues gallery. Calendar Man is k ...
, one of several DC Comics villains that appear as Belle Reve inmates. Others include Natalia Safran as Kaleidoscope and Jared Leland Gore as Double Down.
John Ostrander John Ostrander (born April 20, 1949) is an American writer of comic books, including '' Suicide Squad'', ''Grimjack'' and '' Star Wars: Legacy''. Career Ostrander studied theology with the intent of becoming a Catholic priest, but now describes ...
, creator of the 1980s Suicide Squad team that influenced the film, makes a
cameo appearance A cameo role, also called a cameo appearance and often shortened to just cameo (), is a brief appearance of a well-known person in a work of the performing arts. These roles are generally small, many of them non-speaking ones, and are commonly ei ...
as Dr. Fitzgibbon, while
Stephen Blackehart Stephen T. Blackehart (born December 1, 1967) is an American character actor, author, and producer. Education Blackehart began his artistic education at the University of South Florida under BAFTA-winning character actor Paul Massie, before ...
has a small role as the pilot Briscoe, and both
Lloyd Kaufman Stanley Lloyd Kaufman Jr. (born December 30, 1945) is an American film director, screenwriter, producer and actor. Alongside producer Michael Herz, he is the co-founder of Troma Entertainment film studio, and the director of many of their featur ...
and Gunn's ''
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 ''Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2'' is a 2017 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team Guardians of the Galaxy, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the sequel to ' ...
'' (2017) collaborator Pom Klementieff appear as dancers in a nightclub. Ratcatcher 2's pet rat Sebastian was voiced by
Dee Bradley Baker Dee Bradley Baker (born August 31, 1962) is an American voice actor. Much of Baker's work features vocalizations of animals and monsters. Baker's roles include animated series such as '' Avatar: The Last Airbender'', '' Codename: Kids Next Door'' ...
and portrayed on-set by rats named Jaws and Crisp Ratt.


Production


Development


Original plans

Before the first ''
Suicide Squad The Suicide Squad is an antihero/supervillain team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first version of the Suicide Squad debuted in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #25 (September 1959) and the second and modern version, cre ...
'' film was released in August 2016, director
David Ayer David Ayer (born January 18 , 1968) is an American filmmaker known for making crime films that are set in Los Angeles and deal with gangs and police corruption. His screenplays include ''Training Day'' (2001), ''The Fast and the Furious'' (2001 ...
and star
Will Smith Willard Carroll Smith II (born September 25, 1968), also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor and rapper. He began his acting career starring as a fictionalized version of himself on the NBC sitcom '' The Fresh ...
were expected to return for a sequel. Filming was planned to begin in 2017 after the pair completed their work on the film ''
Bright Bright may refer to: Common meanings *Bright, an adjective meaning giving off or reflecting illumination; see Brightness *Bright, an adjective meaning someone with intelligence People * Bright (surname) *Bright (given name) *Bright, the stage nam ...
'' (2017).
Karen Fukuhara is an American actress, best known for her roles as Tatsu Yamashiro/Katana in the 2016 superhero film '' Suicide Squad'' and as Kimiko Miyashira/The Female in the Amazon Prime original series '' The Boys'' (2019–present). Fukuhara is also ...
expressed her interest in fleshing out Tatsu Yamashiro / Katana's backstory in a sequel, though she also noted that if not, that could be in a spin-off film of her own. In September, Ayer said the first film had been rated
PG-13 The Motion Picture Association film rating system is used in the United States and its territories to rate a motion picture's suitability for certain audiences based on its content. The system and the ratings applied to individual motion pictures ...
because it had originally been envisioned that way by the studio, and an R-rating needed to be planned from the start of a production. He said that it would be worth "lobbying" to make a sequel R-rated, as he felt the first film had the "edge" and "attitude" of an R-rated film already. ''Suicide Squad'' was released to a polarized response and was reported to have a difficult production, but the film grossed enough for
Warner Bros. Pictures Warner Bros. Pictures is an American film production and distribution company of the Warner Bros. Pictures Group division of Warner Bros. Entertainment (both ultimately owned by Warner Bros. Discovery). The studio is the flagship producer of li ...
to fast-track development of a sequel. Several spin-off films were also in development by December, including one featuring Smith as
Deadshot Deadshot (Floyd Lawton) is a supervillain and antihero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by David Vern Reed, Lew Schwartz and Bob Kane, the character made his first appearance in '' Batman'' #59 (June–July 1950). ...
. The project that was furthest along was ''
Gotham City Sirens ''Gotham City Sirens'' is an American comic book series that was written by Paul Dini with art by Guillem March and published by DC Comics. The term ''Gotham City Sirens'' refers to three of the most popular female villains inhabiting Gotham City: ...
'', an all-female team-up film with
Margot Robbie Margot Elise Robbie (; born 2 July 1990) is an Australian actress and producer. Known for her work in both blockbuster and independent films, she has received several accolades, including nominations for two Academy Awards, four Golden Glob ...
planned to reprise her role as
Harley Quinn Harley Quinn is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Quinn was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm as a comic relief henchwoman for the supervillain Joker in '' Batman: The Animated Series'', and debuted in i ...
. Ayer was set to direct and produce that film rather than ''Suicide Squad 2''. Warner Bros. began searching for a new director for ''Suicide Squad 2'', and were courting
Mel Gibson Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson (born January 3, 1956) is an American actor, film director, and producer. He is best known for his action hero roles, particularly his breakout role as Max Rockatansky in the first three films of the post-apoca ...
by mid-February 2017.
Ruben Fleischer Ruben Samuel Fleischer (born October 31, 1974) is an American film director, film producer, television producer, music video director, and commercial director who lives in Montclair, New Jersey. He is best known as the director of '' Zombieland' ...
,
Daniel Espinosa Jorge Daniel Espinosa (born 23 March 1977) is a Swedish film director from Trångsund, Stockholm, of Chilean origin. Early life He attended the National Film School of Denmark and graduated in 2001. Career His third feature film, '' Easy Mone ...
,
Jonathan Levine Jonathan LeVine is an American art dealer, instrumental in the proliferation of lowbrow and street art on the East Coast of the United States. About LeVine grew up in Trenton, New Jersey. As a teenager, he encountered punk rock music and the p ...
, and
David S. Goyer David Samuel Goyer (born December 22, 1965) is an American filmmaker, novelist and comic book writer. He is best known for writing the screenplays for several superhero films, including '' Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.'' (1998), the '' Blade'' ...
were also considered.
Adam Cozad Adam Cozad is an American screenwriter best known for writing the scripts for '' Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit'', '' The Legend of Tarzan'', and '' Underwater''. Life and career Cozad was born and grew up in Chico, California, where he attended Not ...
entered negotiations to write the film a month later, at which point there was still no director attached to the project. It was described as being a priority for Warner Bros. Script delays led to the planned filming start being pushed to mid-2018, at which point Gibson moved on from the project.
Jaume Collet-Serra Jaume Collet-Serra (; born 23 March 1974) is a Spanish-American film director and producer. He directed the horror films '' House of Wax'' (2005), '' Orphan'' (2009), and '' The Shallows'' (2016), as well as the Liam Neeson-led thriller films '' ...
became the new frontrunner to direct in early July, by which time both Smith and Robbie were set to reprise their roles. Zak Penn had pitched a new story treatment for the film to Warner Bros., and wrote a draft of the script as a favor to the studio. Later in July, Collet-Serra was hired to direct
Disney The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney (), is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was originally founded on October ...
's '' Jungle Cruise'' (2021) and withdrew from directing ''Suicide Squad 2'' after deciding he would rather originate a new story than continue an existing franchise; Collet-Sera went on to direct the
DC Extended Universe The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films and television series produced by DC Studios and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is based on characters that ...
(DCEU) film ''
Black Adam Black Adam, real name Teth/Theo-Adam, is an antihero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He was created by Otto Binder and C. C. Beck, and first appeared in the debut issue of Fawcett Comics' ''The Marvel Family'' comi ...
'' (2022). In August,
Jared Leto Jared Joseph Leto ( ; born December 26, 1971) is an American actor and musician. Known for his method acting in a variety of roles, he has received numerous accolades over a career spanning three decades, including an Academy Award and a Gold ...
was expected to reprise his role as the Joker from the first film, while production was not expected to begin until Smith completed his work on ''
Aladdin Aladdin ( ; ar, علاء الدين, ', , ATU 561, ‘Aladdin') is a Middle-Eastern folk tale. It is one of the best-known tales associated with ''The Book of One Thousand and One Nights'' (''The Arabian Nights''), despite not being part of ...
'' (2019) and '' Gemini Man'' (2019) in late 2018. The next month, Gavin O'Connor was chosen to direct the film and co-write it with his writing partner Anthony Tambakis, based on his own vision. The character
Black Adam Black Adam, real name Teth/Theo-Adam, is an antihero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He was created by Otto Binder and C. C. Beck, and first appeared in the debut issue of Fawcett Comics' ''The Marvel Family'' comi ...
was reportedly the main villain of O'Connor's script, with
Dwayne Johnson Dwayne Douglas Johnson (born May 2, 1972), also known by his ring name The Rock, is an American actor and former professional wrestler. Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, he was integral to the develop ...
already attached to that role for
DC Films DC Studios is an American film and television studio that is a division of Warner Bros., which is a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. It is dedicated to the production of films, series, and animations based on characters from DC Comics, ...
.
Michael De Luca Michael De Luca (born August 13, 1965) is an American film studio executive, film producer and screenwriter. The former president of production at both New Line Cinema and DreamWorks, De Luca has been nominated for three Academy Awards for Bes ...
joined the film as a producer in January 2018, working with the first film's producer Charles Roven. David Bar Katz and
Todd Stashwick Todd Stashwick is an American actor and writer. He is known for his roles as Dale Malloy on '' The Riches'' and Deacon on '' 12 Monkeys''. Early life and career After performing at several local improvisational theaters, he was hired to tour wi ...
were co-writing the film with O'Connor in June, and they had completed their draft by that September. O'Connor left the film by early October to focus on '' The Way Back'' (2020). This was reportedly out of frustration that Warner Bros. was already moving ahead with ''
Birds of Prey Birds of prey or predatory birds, also known as raptors, are hypercarnivorous bird species that actively hunt and feed on other vertebrates (mainly mammals, reptiles and other smaller birds). In addition to speed and strength, these predat ...
'' (2020), a new Harley Quinn spin-off film with a similar story to the one he wrote for ''Suicide Squad 2''. During the development process, the character
Deathstroke Deathstroke (Slade Joseph Wilson) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, the character debuted in ''The New Teen Titans'' #2 in December 1980 as Deathstroke th ...
appeared in four or five different version of the script to fight Deadshot.
Joe Manganiello Joseph Michael Manganiello ( ; , ; born December 28, 1976) is an American actor. His professional film career began when he played Flash Thompson in Sam Raimi's ''Spider-Man''. His breakout role was as werewolf Alcide Herveaux in five seasons of ...
was attached to reprise his role as Deathstroke from ''
Justice League The Justice League (also known as The Justice League of America) are a team of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The team first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 (March 1960). The team was conceived b ...
'' (2017), and the experience left him feeling that he would never portray the character again until he was asked to return for ''
Zack Snyder's Justice League ''Zack Snyder's Justice League'' (colloquially referred to as the Snyder Cut) is the 2021 director's cut of the 2017 American superhero film '' Justice League'', the fifth film set within the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) based on the team ...
'' (2021).


James Gunn

In October 2018,
James Gunn James Francis Gunn Jr. (born August 5, 1966) is an American filmmaker and executive. He began his career as a screenwriter in the mid-1990s, starting at Troma Entertainment with ''Tromeo and Juliet'' (1997). He then began working as a directo ...
was hired to write and possibly direct the next ''Suicide Squad'' film. His deal with Warner Bros. closed following the completion of his exit settlement with
The Walt Disney Company The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney (), is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was originally founded on Octobe ...
, after he was dismissed by Disney and
Marvel Studios Marvel Studios, LLC (originally known as Marvel Films from 1993 to 1996) is an American film and television production company that is a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios, a division of the Walt Disney Company. Marvel Studios produces the Ma ...
as director of '' Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'' (2023) in July 2018 when conservative commentators circulated controversial
Twitter Twitter is an online social media and social networking service owned and operated by American company Twitter, Inc., on which users post and interact with 280-character-long messages known as "tweets". Registered users can post, like, and ...
posts he made involving
rape Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual penetration carried out against a person without their consent. The act may be carried out by physical force, coercion, abuse of authority, or ...
,
pedophilia Pedophilia ( alternatively spelt paedophilia) is a psychiatric disorder in which an adult or older adolescent experiences a primary or exclusive sexual attraction to prepubescent children. Although girls typically begin the process of puberty ...
,
AIDS Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus. Following initial infection an individual ma ...
, the
Holocaust The Holocaust, also known as the Shoah, was the genocide of European Jews during World War II. Between 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered some six million Jews across German-occupied Europe; ...
, bestiality and
9/11 The September 11 attacks, commonly known as 9/11, were four coordinated suicide terrorist attacks carried out by al-Qaeda against the United States on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. That morning, nineteen terrorists hijacked four commerci ...
. Warner Bros. had been interested in recruiting Gunn for the DCEU immediately after his dismissal by Disney, and asked him to make a new
Superman Superman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and debuted in the comic book '' Action Comics'' #1 ( cover-dated June 1938 and pu ...
film. Gunn was uncertain if he wanted to take on Superman, so Warner Bros. told him that he could adapt any DC property he liked. He chose to make a Suicide Squad film, recalling that it was the one DC property he dreamed of adapting and had been jealous when Ayer's ''Suicide Squad'' film performed well. Ayer supported Gunn's hiring as a "brave and smart move" and called him "the right man for the job".
Dave Bautista David Michael Bautista Jr. (born January 18, 1969) is an American actor and retired professional wrestler. He had several stints in WWE between 2002 and 2019. In his acting career, he is most widely known for his portrayal of Drax the Dest ...
, who starred in the ''Guardians of the Galaxy'' films for Gunn, expressed interest in appearing in his Suicide Squad film. One of the first things Gunn did when discussing the film with Warner Bros. was watch ''Suicide Squad'' for the first time. The studio said he could take or leave any elements he wanted from the first film, but they hoped that he would bring back Robbie as Harley Quinn. The day after he was hired, Disney decided to reinstate Gunn as director of ''Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3''. He discussed his new DCEU commitment with Marvel Studios President
Kevin Feige Kevin Feige ( ; born June 2, 1973) is an American film and television producer who has been the president of Marvel Studios and the primary producer of the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise since 2007. The films he has produced have a combine ...
, who encouraged him to "make a great movie" and agreed to delay production on ''Guardians'' until Gunn had completed work on the ''Suicide Squad'' sequel. In January 2019, the film was officially titled ''The Suicide Squad'' and was scheduled for release on August 6, 2021. The title was suggested by Gunn as a joke, but executives at Warner Bros. liked it. At that time, Gunn was in negotiations to direct the film which was described as a relaunch rather than a direct sequel that would take the franchise in a new direction and feature a largely new cast. Roven and
Peter Safran Peter Safran (born 22 November 1965) is a British-American film producer and manager. He currently serves as the co-chairperson and CEO of DC Studios alongside James Gunn. Early life After growing up in the UK, Safran graduated from Princeton Un ...
were set as producers, with
Zack Snyder Zachary Edward Snyder (born March 1, 1966) is an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and cinematographer. He made his feature film debut in 2004 with '' Dawn of the Dead'', a remake of the 1978 horror film of the same name. Since t ...
and Deborah Snyder as executive producers. Safran, who produced the DCEU films ''
Aquaman Aquaman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in '' More Fun Comics'' #73 (November 1941). The character is a pastiche of Namor. Initially a ...
'' (2018) and '' Shazam!'' (2019), had pushed Gunn to take on the project and felt there was no better director to "bring together a disparate group of outsiders on a mission".


Writing

Gunn wrote a treatment that was a few pages long, and then quickly produced several drafts of the script that Warner Bros. was "extremely high" on. He said the film was "its own thing", rather than a sequel or
reboot In computing, rebooting is the process by which a running computer system is restarted, either intentionally or unintentionally. Reboots can be either a cold reboot (alternatively known as a hard reboot) in which the power to the system is physi ...
; it does not explicitly address the events of the first film or ''Birds of Prey'', but it also does not contradict them. Warner Bros. asked Gunn to make the film PG-13, but he insisted on it being R-rated if he was going to direct it; the studio felt Gunn's involvement was "worth the trade-off" for the higher rating. He took inspiration from
John Ostrander John Ostrander (born April 20, 1949) is an American writer of comic books, including '' Suicide Squad'', ''Grimjack'' and '' Star Wars: Legacy''. Career Ostrander studied theology with the intent of becoming a Catholic priest, but now describes ...
's original 1980s run on the Suicide Squad comic books, which he was drawn to because it was about a "bunch of loser, B-grade supervillains". Safran described ''The Suicide Squad'' as a "gritty 1970s war movie combined with the brilliance of James Gunn's characters and comedy", and Gunn was influenced by war films such as '' The Great Escape'' (1963), ''
The Dirty Dozen ''The Dirty Dozen'' is a 1967 American war film directed by Robert Aldrich and starring Lee Marvin with an ensemble supporting cast including Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, Jim Brown, John Cassavetes, Richard Jaeckel, George Kennedy, Ralph M ...
'' (1967), ''
Where Eagles Dare ''Where Eagles Dare'' is a 1968 war film directed by Brian G. Hutton and starring Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood and Mary Ure. It follows a joint British-American Special Operations Executive team of paratroopers raiding a castle (shot on lo ...
'' (1968), and ''
Kelly's Heroes ''Kelly's Heroes'' is a 1970 World War II comedy-drama heist film, directed by Brian G. Hutton, about a motley crew of American GIs who go AWOL in order to rob a French bank, located behind German lines, of its stored Nazi gold bars. The film ...
'' (1970). Already knowing the kind of story that he wanted to tell, Gunn's first step in writing the film was picking the characters for the Suicide Squad roster. He spent days going through the library of existing DC Comics characters and deciding which group would work well together. He wanted to create a blend of characters by having each feel like they were part of a different film genre. The first new character that Gunn added to the roster was
King Shark King Shark is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The character, also known as Nanaue, was created by writer Karl Kesel and artist Tom Grummett. King Shark's first key appearance was in ''Superboy'' #0 (October 1994) ...
, who was intended to appear in the first film before being replaced by
Killer Croc Killer Croc is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman. The character belongs to the collective of adversaries that make up Batman's rogues gallery. Originally a si ...
. Gunn sought to feature an animal on the team, and chose King Shark because he enjoyed the concept of a man-eating fish-human hybrid. Other new characters that Gunn added include
Polka-Dot Man The Polka-Dot Man (Abner Krill) is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. He is primarily a minor enemy of Batman, and belongs to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery. The character made his liv ...
,
Peacemaker Peacemaker or The Peacemaker (in various forms) may refer to: Individuals and groups * UN Peacemaker, a project of the UN to support international peacemakers and mediators * Peace makers, a list of contemporary individuals and organizations inv ...
, and a female version of Ratcatcher. He said one of the main differences between this film and the ''Guardians of the Galaxy'' films was that it would be unclear whether some Suicide Squad members would turn out to be good or bad, unlike the
Guardians of the Galaxy The Guardians of the Galaxy is a fictional superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It may more specifically refer to: Comic book teams * Guardians of the Galaxy (1969 team), the original 31st-century team fr ...
who are portrayed as heroes despite their flaws. Characters that were considered but ultimately rejected include
Sportsmaster The Sportsmaster is the name of different supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The Lawrence "Crusher" Crock version of Sportsmaster is usually depicted as a criminal who uses sports-themed weapons and gadgets to ...
, Dogwelder,
Bat-Mite Bat-Mite is a fictional Character (arts), character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Bat-Mite is an imp similar to the Superman villain Mister Mxyzptlk. Depicted as a small, childlike man in an ill-fitting Batman costume, ...
, Livewire,
Punch and Jewelee Captain Atom is a superhero appearing in American comic books, first in the 1960s by Charlton Comics before being acquired in the 1980s by DC Comics. Captain Atom has existed in three basic incarnations. Publication history Captain Atom was crea ...
,
Black Spider Black Spider is the name of several fictional DC Comics supervillains. The first two were both primarily enemies of Batman. Fictional character biographies Eric Needham The original Black Spider first appeared in '' Detective Comics'' #463 ( ...
, Deathstroke,
Man-Bat Man-Bat (Dr. Robert Kirkland "Kirk" Langstrom) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Introduced in ''Detective Comics'' #400 (June 1970) as an enemy of the superhero Batman, the character belongs to t ...
,
Plastique Plastic explosive is a soft and hand-moldable solid form of explosive material. Within the field of explosives engineering, plastic explosives are also known as putty explosives or blastics. Plastic explosives are especially suited for explo ...
, Chemo,
KGBeast KGBeast (Anatoli Knyazev) is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Jim Starlin and Jim Aparo, the character first appeared as an adversary of Batman. KGBeast has appeared in numerous cartoon television shows ...
, Solomon Grundy, Rainbow Creature, Gunhawk,
Knockout A knockout (abbreviated to KO or K.O.) is a fight-ending, winning criterion in several full-contact combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, mixed martial arts, karate, some forms of taekwondo and other sports involving strikin ...
,
Killer Frost Killer Frost is a name used by several female supervillains and superheroes appearing in comic books published by DC Comics: Crystal Frost, Louise Lincoln, and Caitlin Snow. Each different individual in the DC Universe assuming the Killer Frost ...
, Mr. Freeze, and
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (; born July 15, 1986) is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Black Manta in the superhero films ''Aquaman'' (2018) and ''Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom'' (2023), Bobby Seale in the Netflix historical legal drama ' ...
's
Black Manta Black Manta is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Bob Haney and Nick Cardy, and first appeared in ''Aquaman'' #35 in September 1967. He has since endured as the archenemy of the s ...
from ''Aquaman''. He did not consider using the Joker because he felt Amanda Waller would not have any use for the character, and chose not to use
Kite Man Kite Man (Charles "Chuck" Brown) is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. He is commonly depicted as an adversary of Batman who uses kite-based weapons to commit crimes. His name is a homage to ''Peanuts'' protagonist Cha ...
because he felt the character was already a punchline in the comics and would not feel fresh for the film. Gunn also avoided characters like
Bronze Tiger Bronze Tiger is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Dennis O'Neil, Leopoldo Dirampma, and Jim Berry, he first appeared in ''Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter'' #1 (May 1975). The character's rea ...
and
Katana A is a Japanese sword characterized by a curved, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands. Developed later than the ''tachi'', it was used by samurai in feudal Japan and worn with the edge ...
since they are
antihero An antihero (sometimes spelled as anti-hero) or antiheroine is a main character in a story who may lack conventional heroic qualities and attributes, such as idealism, courage, and morality. Although antiheroes may sometimes perform actions ...
es rather than villains. Gunn felt he was in a position, and had the responsibility, to take risks with the property and try make "an all-out entertaining film from start to finish that didn’t play by the rules". This included "
post-modern Postmodernism is an intellectual stance or mode of discourseNuyen, A.T., 1992. The Role of Rhetorical Devices in Postmodernist Discourse. Philosophy & Rhetoric, pp.183–194. characterized by skepticism toward the " grand narratives" of moderni ...
" aesthetic decisions such as creating sequences that showed the perspectives of Harley Quinn and Polka-Dot Man, adding an extended subplot where Harley Quinn is on her own away from the action, and adding title cards that segue between sequences. These elements were written into the script, including what Gunn referred to as "Harley-vision" where gory murders are depicted through Harley's "starry-eyed way of looking at life" by mixing "hearts and beautiful little things" with the blood that is coming out of the people Harley is killing. The "Harley-vision" visuals were inspired by a video game that Gunn helped develop called ''
Lollipop Chainsaw is a 2012 hack-and-slash video game developed by Grasshopper Manufacture for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 video game consoles. It features Juliet Starling (voiced by Tara Strong in English and by both Eri Kitamura in the PlayStation 3 version a ...
'' (2012). The main villains of the film are
Amanda Waller Amanda Blake Waller (née White), also known as "the Wall", is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''Legends'' #1 in 1986 and was created by John Ostrander, Len Wein, and ...
and the U.S. government, who are trying to cover up their involvement in illegal experiments on the island of
Corto Maltese ''Corto Maltese'' is a series of adventure and fantasy comics named after the character Corto Maltese, an adventurous sailor. It was created by the Italian comic book creator Hugo Pratt in 1967. The comics are highly praised as some of the most ...
. Gunn did not feel that this storyline was specifically critical of the U.S. government, just realistic given the real-world history of the U.S. interfering in other countries. He also wanted to use this to make dramatic points rather than political ones, with the different stances on the government's actions that the film's main characters take leading to dramatic conflict. For the antagonist that Waller sends the Suicide Squad to fight, Gunn initially considered using Superman before deciding to feature
Starro the Conqueror Starro (also known as Starro the Conqueror) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 (February–March 1960). It was created by Gardner Fox and Mike ...
instead. He found the character to be both ridiculous and terrifying, which reflected what he was trying to accomplish with the film, and he felt Starro was the only major DC Comics villain that was unlikely to appear in another live-action film or who would not be adapted faithfully by another filmmaker if it was. He also wanted to avoid potential questions regarding who should be portraying Superman in the DCEU and what that would mean for the film's connections to the wider shared universe. DC allowed Gunn to kill any character, including Harley Quinn, and he ignored the potential backlash from doing this to prioritize the natural evolution of the story. He did not want it to be like other films which might kill off some characters early on but then not kill any of the main characters at the end, so he knew that one of the Suicide Squad members would die during the final battle. He originally intended for this to be Ratcatcher, but ultimately felt that this would be too heartless. He chose Polka-Dot Man instead because he thought the character had the most complete story arc at that point in the film.


Casting

When acknowledging the first film's negative reception, Gunn said there were aspects of it that he loved and defended Ayer's casting choices; the first decision Gunn made on the new film was to bring back Robbie as Harley Quinn and
Viola Davis Viola Davis (; born August 11, 1965) is an American actress and producer. The recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards, she is the only African-American to achieve the Triple Crow ...
as Amanda Waller. On February 27, 2019, Smith was revealed to no longer be in the film's cast due to scheduling issues. On March 1, Gunn met with
Idris Elba Idrissa Akuna Elba (; born 6 September 1972) is an English actor.
to discuss him joining the film, reportedly as a replacement for Smith as Deadshot. Elba was Gunn's only choice for the role, and he wrote the script with Elba in mind—something Gunn rarely does for actors he has not met. Elba agreed to join the film during that conversation, as he wanted to work with Gunn and felt "so touched and honored that someone of unn'stalent was really keen to work with" him. Elba was in official negotiations the next week.
Joel Kinnaman Charles Joel Nordström Kinnaman (; born 25 November 1979) is a Swedish-American actor and model who first gained recognition for his roles in the Swedish film '' Easy Money'' and the '' Johan Falk'' crime series. Kinnaman is known internationa ...
's Rick Flag was expected to return from the first film at that point, and
Jai Courtney Jai Courtney (; born 15 March 1986) is an Australian actor. He started his career with small roles in films and television series before being cast as Charlie in the action film '' Jack Reacher'' (2012). He has gone on to star in '' A Good Day t ...
revealed later that month that he was returning as
Captain Boomerang Captain Boomerang is the name of two supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, who respectively serve as enemies to both the Flash (Barry Allen), Barry Allen and Wally West versions of the Flash (DC Comics character) ...
from the first film. In April, the film's creative team decided that Elba would play a new character rather than Deadshot. This decision was made, following weeks of discussions that included Gunn and Elba, to be respectful to Smith and allow him the option to return to the role in the future. Elba later stated that Gunn never intended to cast him as Deadshot, while Gunn said he changed his mind about who Elba would portray "a lot". Gunn ultimately chose to cast Elba as Bloodsport because he liked the character in the comics. Though the film has an
ensemble cast In a dramatic production, an ensemble cast is one that is composed of multiple principal actors and performers who are typically assigned roughly equal amounts of screen time.Random House: ensemble acting Linked 2013-07-17 Structure In contrast t ...
, Gunn felt Bloodsport was the main protagonist due to being the most prominent and because of the amount of character growth that he goes through. Gunn wrote King Shark with
Sylvester Stallone Sylvester Enzio Stallone (; born Michael Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone, ) is an American actor and filmmaker. After his beginnings as a struggling actor for a number of years upon arriving to New York City in 1969 and later Hollywood in 1974, h ...
in mind, but tested three other voice actors before asking Stallone to join the film. Stallone agreed to voice the character due to his experience working with Gunn on ''
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 ''Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2'' is a 2017 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team Guardians of the Galaxy, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the sequel to ' ...
'' (2017). Gunn was looking to cast Bautista as Peacemaker, but the actor had a scheduling conflict with Zack Snyder's ''
Army of the Dead ''Army of the Dead'' is a 2021 American zombie heist film directed by Zack Snyder from a screenplay he co-wrote with Shay Hatten and Joby Harold, based on a story he also created. The film features an ensemble cast consisting of Dave Bautist ...
'' (2021).
John Cena John Felix Anthony Cena ( ; born April 23, 1977) is an American part-time professional wrestler, actor, and former rapper. He is currently signed to WWE. Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, he is tied ...
entered talks for a role in the film that was believed to be Peacemaker in late April, as Gunn had wanted to work with Cena since seeing his performance in '' Trainwreck'' (2015). Cena made numerous unsuccessful attempts to join the DCEU prior to his casting in this film.
David Dastmalchian David Dastmalchian (; born July 21, 1975) is an American film and stage actor. He has had supporting roles in a number of superhero franchises; he portrayed Thomas Schiff in ''The Dark Knight'', Kurt in the first two Marvel Cinematic Universe ...
and
Daniela Melchior Daniela Melchior ((); born November 1, 1996) is a Portuguese actress. After beginning her career in her home country, she garnered worldwide attention with her English-language debut as Ratcatcher 2 in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) film '' Th ...
were respectively cast as Polka-Dot Man and Ratcatcher 2 at the end of April. Gunn said the role of Polka-Dot Man was "tailor made" for Dastmalchian, who had been friends with Gunn for a long time. In contrast, Melchior was cast from a group of 200 actors. She did a chemistry test with live rats as part of her audition process because her character controls rats in the film and had to interact with them on set. Gunn's frequent collaborator
Michael Rooker Michael Rooker (born April 6, 1955) is an American actor known for his roles as Henry in '' Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer'' (1986), Chick Gandil in ''Eight Men Out'' (1988), Frank Baily in '' Mississippi Burning'' (1988), Terry Cruger in '' ...
was in talks to join the cast in May, while
Storm Reid Storm Reid is an American actress. After playing a small role in the television film '' A Cross to Bear'' (2012), Reid made her acting debut with an appearance in the period drama film ''12 Years a Slave'' (2013). She earned recognition for a s ...
was cast as the daughter of Elba's character in July.
Flula Borg Flula Borg (; born 28 March 1982) is a German actor, comedian, musician, DJ, and internet personality who is also known simply as Flula (sometimes stylized as f, u, a) or DJ Flula. He lives in Los Angeles. Borg's acting career includes roles in f ...
,
Nathan Fillion Nathan Fillion (; born March 27, 1971) is a Canadian-American actor. He played the leading roles of Captain Malcolm Reynolds, Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds on ''Firefly (TV series), Firefly'' and its film continuation ''Serenity (2005 film), Serenity'', ...
, and
Steve Agee Steven Douglas Agee (; born February 26, 1969) is an American comedian, actor, writer and musician, known for roles including Steve Myron on the Comedy Central series '' The Sarah Silverman Program'' and as John Economos in the 2021 superhero f ...
joined the film in August, with Agee initially reported to be portraying King Shark. Also in August,
Taika Waititi Taika David Cohen (born 16 August 1975), known professionally as Taika Waititi ( ), is a New Zealand filmmaker, actor, and comedian. He is a recipient of an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Grammy Award, and has received two nominations at ...
entered negotiations for a role.
Peter Capaldi Peter Dougan Capaldi (; born 14 April 1958) is a Scottish actor, director, writer and musician. He portrayed the twelfth incarnation of the Doctor in ''Doctor Who'' (2013–2017) and Malcolm Tucker in '' The Thick of It'' (2005–2012), for ...
joined the cast in early September, when
Pete Davidson Peter Michael Davidson (born November 16, 1993) is an American comedian and actor. He was a cast member of the NBC late-night sketch comedy series ''Saturday Night Live'' (SNL) for eight seasons, running from 2014 to 2022. Davidson's ...
was in talks to make a
cameo appearance A cameo role, also called a cameo appearance and often shortened to just cameo (), is a brief appearance of a well-known person in a work of the performing arts. These roles are generally small, many of them non-speaking ones, and are commonly ei ...
during a break from his work on ''
Saturday Night Live ''Saturday Night Live'' (often abbreviated to ''SNL'') is an American late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Dick Ebersol that airs on NBC and Peacock. Michaels currently serves ...
''. Davidson agreed to join the film because his character is called " Dick Hertz", which Davidson found to be funny. A table read for the film with the full cast was held on September 11, ahead of the start of filming later that month. Gunn later announced the film's full main cast and characters: Dastmalchian as Polka-Dot Man, Cena as Peacemaker, Courtney as Captain Boomerang,
Joaquín Cosío Joaquín Cosío Osuna (born 6 October 1962) is a Mexican actor and poet. He is best known for roles such as Rubén "Mascarita" in ''Matando Cabos'' (2004), General Medrano in ''Quantum of Solace'' (2008), Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo in '' Narco ...
as Mateo Suarez, Fillion as T.D.K., Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Mayling Ng as
Mongal Josephine MacDonald Josephine MacDonald, also known as Josie Mac, is a police officer of GCPD, first appearing in ''Detective Comics'' #763 (December 2001), created by Judd Winick and Cliff Chiang. Josie Mac had a promising career ahead of her, ...
, Borg as
Javelin A javelin is a light spear designed primarily to be thrown, historically as a ranged weapon, but today predominantly for sport. The javelin is almost always thrown by hand, unlike the sling, bow, and crossbow, which launch projectiles with the ...
, his brother
Sean Gunn Sean Gunn (born May 22, 1974) is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Kirk Gleason on The WB series ''Gilmore Girls'' (2000–2007), and Kraglin Obfonteri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In this role, he has been in the films ''Gu ...
as
Weasel Weasels are mammals of the genus ''Mustela'' of the family Mustelidae. The genus ''Mustela'' includes the least weasels, polecats, stoats, ferrets and European mink. Members of this genus are small, active predators, with long and slend ...
,
Juan Diego Botto Juan Diego Botto Rota (born 29 August 1975) is an Argentine-Spanish film, stage and television actor. Born in Argentina, he moved to Spain together with his mother (the actress and acting coach Cristina Rota) in 1978. Following early film appe ...
as Silvio Luna, Reid as Tyla, Davidson as Blackguard, Waititi as the first Ratcatcher,
Alice Braga Alice Braga Moraes (; born 15 April 1983) is a Brazilian actress and producer. She has appeared in several Brazilian films, starring as Angélica in the acclaimed '' City of God'' (2002), Karinna in ''Lower City'' (2005), and Dolores in '' Only ...
as Sol Soria, Agee, Tinashe Kajese as Flo Crawley, Melchior as Ratcatcher 2, Capaldi as Thinker, Julio Ruiz as Milton, his girlfriend
Jennifer Holland Jennifer Holland (born November 9, 1987) is an American actress and model. She is best known for her work as Emilia Harcourt in the DC Extended Universe productions '' The Suicide Squad'' (2021), '' Peacemaker'', and ''Black Adam'' (both 202 ...
as Emilia Harcourt, Davis as Waller, Elba as Bloodsport (character), Bloodsport, Robbie as Quinn, and Rooker as Savant (DC Comics), Savant. Agee was the on-set reference for King Shark, and also portrays John Economos.


Design

Production designer Beth Mickle said Gunn wanted the film to be "grey and drab and monotone" until the characters arrive in Corto Maltese, which he wanted to "explode with color" like Panama and Cuba. The design team took inspiration from photos of Havana, Cuba, and São Paulo, Brazil. Gunn said the film featured the biggest sets ever built for a Warner Bros.' film, with Mickle building a set the size of three football fields for the outside of Jötunheim where the final battle was filmed, and an even bigger beach set that had real waves and a palm tree forest which Gunn called "the greatest set [he had] ever been on". The jungle featured a bamboo cage that was deep. Gunn said building a whole beach was expensive, but it was more cost-effective than using a real beach due to changing tides and the limited amount of time available for filming in a real environment. Because of the mixture of characters that Gunn selected for the film's Suicide Squad roster, there are "dorky comics costumes" alongside "modern, scary, grimdark" costumes. One of the biggest costume challenges for Gunn was creating Bloodsport's suit, from which the character can form various weapons. Robbie wears a new costume that features Harley's traditional red and black color palette, with Gunn taking inspiration from the character's costume in the video game ''Batman: Arkham City'' (2011). He wanted her jacket to have "motorcycle gang style"-writing on the back, and chose "Live fast, die clown" over other potential options "Clown AF" and "World's Best Grandpa". Gunn also removed Harley's "Rotten" facial tattoo that she had in previous DCEU films because both he and Robbie disliked it. Flag wears a yellow T-shirt with a cartoon character called "Ultra Bunny" on it. Gunn drew the character, and added the text "obstacles are opportunities" which is his slogan when directing on set. Gunn initially used a hammerhead shark design from the New 52 comics for King Shark, but found that it would be awkward to film the character with other actors due to his eyes being on the sides of his head. Gunn settled on a great white shark design that is similar to the one seen in the ''Harley Quinn (TV series), Harley Quinn'' animated series, though this was a coincidence as that series was released after filming for ''The Suicide Squad'' began. Gunn gave King Shark a dad bod to make him look less like a mammal, as well as small eyes, a big mouth, and a small head to avoid the "cute anthropomorphic beast" design seen in popular characters like Baby Groot (Marvel Cinematic Universe), Baby Groot from ''
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 ''Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2'' is a 2017 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team Guardians of the Galaxy, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the sequel to ' ...
'' (2017) and ''The Mandalorian''s Baby Yoda.


Filming

Principal photography began on September 20, 2019, at Pinewood Atlanta Studios in
Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta ( ) is the capital city, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georgia, Fulton County, the mos ...
, under the working title ''El Dorado''. Henry Braham served as cinematographer, after previously doing so for Gunn's ''Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2''. Feige and Marvel Studios co-president Louis D'Esposito visited the set during filming. Gunn took several precautions to try to avoid details about the film leaking, such as referring to Elba's character in the script and on set as "Vigilante (comics), Vigilante" to prevent his actual role from being revealed, and also not giving some of the actors script pages from after their characters' deaths. Gunn extensively storyboards his films, but the opening shot of ''The Suicide Squad''—in which the camera rotates out of a puddle's reflection on the ground to reveal Savant bouncing a ball—was a spontaneous decision that he made on set when he saw the reflections on the ground. For a scene where Bloodsport smokes a cigarette, Elba—who has asthma and does not smoke himself—was left with tears in his eyes that had to be removed digitally since Gunn otherwise liked the shot. Gunn said the film used more practical effects than any other blockbuster comic book film, with on-set special effects provided by Dan Sudick and prosthetics created by Legacy Effects. Gunn highlighted a shot in the film where King Shark, who is created with visual effects, rips a person in half, which was done practically using special effects and prosthetics. Stunt supervisor Guy Norris served as second unit director for the car scenes in the film. Gunn explained that he rarely uses second unit directors on his films and has never liked working with them, but he enjoyed the experience of working with Norris as he was not comfortable shooting with cars and had already known Norris for a long time. Filming in Atlanta was expected to last three months before moving to Panama for a month, with
Colón, Panama Colón () is a city and seaport in Panama, beside the Caribbean Sea, lying near the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal. It is the capital of Panama's Colón Province and has traditionally been known as Panama's second city. Originally it was ...
standing in for the streets of Corto Maltese. Gunn said the city was "beautiful but falling-apart... we were able to use all the colors but to keep the grime" as well. The cast and crew rescued several animals from the streets of Panama. Filming also took place in Porto, Portugal, and Wrap (filmmaking), wrapped on February 28, 2020.


Editing

Fred Raskin and Christian Wagner served as editors on the film. Raskin previously worked alongside Gunn on ''Guardians of the Galaxy (film), Guardians of the Galaxy'' (2014) and ''Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2''. By April 2020, Gunn was editing the film at his home due to the
COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identi ...
, which he said had not affected post-production or the release schedule at that time. The initial assembly cut for the film was around two hours and forty minutes long, and around twenty minutes of that was soon cut down during editing. Gunn felt the film was still too long, and removed some elements such as part of Harley Quinn's separate storyline that he felt was "pushing audiences away a little bit too much", as well as a sequence with Ratcatcher, King Shark, Polka-Dot Man, and the Thinker when they exit a Corto Maltese bar. Gunn felt the latter was "pretty dynamite stuff" but it was slowing down the film and the wrong time. A smaller scene that was cut involved Waller's aide Flo Crawley being arrested for knocking Waller out during the final battle; Gunn explained that this was a mostly unnecessary detail which made the audience feel uncomfortable since it felt less like the villain, Waller, had lost, but he included the moment in a recap of the film that begins the spin-off series ''
Peacemaker Peacemaker or The Peacemaker (in various forms) may refer to: Individuals and groups * UN Peacemaker, a project of the UN to support international peacemakers and mediators * Peace makers, a list of contemporary individuals and organizations inv ...
'' to explain why Crawley is not in that series. In December, Gunn said editing for the film's final cut had been completed and work on the remaining visual effects, sound, and score was continuing. The final runtime is two hours and twelve minutes.


Visual effects

Kelvin McIlwain was the visual effects supervisor for the film, with visual effects vendors including Framestore, Weta Digital, Trixter (company), Trixter, Scanline VFX, and Cantina Creative. Gunn said the visual effects for King Shark, primarily handled by Framestore and Weta Digital, were particularly difficult to get right.


Music

In May 2020, John Murphy (composer), John Murphy was set as the composer for the film. Tyler Bates, who scored all of Gunn's previous films, was originally attached to compose the score for ''The Suicide Squad'' but eventually left the project. During pre-production, Bates wrote music for Gunn to use on set as he had previously done for Gunn on the ''Guardians of the Galaxy'' films. The single "Rain" by Grandson (musician), grandson and Jessie Reyez from the film's soundtrack album was released on June 22, 2021, with the artists also expected to contribute songs individually to the album. A single from Murphy's score, "So This Is The Famous Suicide Squad", was made available on July 8. On August 6, two full albums for the film were released by WaterTower Music: one featuring Murphy's score, and a soundtrack album featuring songs from the film including "Rain".


Completion

In January 2021, at the beginning of filming for ''Peacemaker'' in Vancouver, Canada, Gunn filmed a
post-credits scene A post-credits scene (commonly referred to as a stinger or credit cookie) or mid-credits scene is a short clip that appears after all or some of the closing credits have rolled and sometimes after a production logo of a film, TV series, or video g ...
for ''The Suicide Squad'' that sets-up the series. He had not planned an alternative post-credits scene before deciding to make ''Peacemaker''. A month later, the film was fully finished. Gunn said Warner Bros. had not interfered with his vision for the film and had only given a few minor notes. He added that ''The Suicide Squad'' was the most fun he had making a film, which he attributed to prioritizing creativity over perfectionism, being in the best place mentally and emotionally of his career, having a "stupendous" cast and crew and supportive studio, and feeling that he was at the height of his directing abilities with the film. It came in under budget and had no days of additional photography. In July, the film's release date was moved up by a day to August 5.


Marketing

A behind-the-scenes featurette was released on August 22, 2020, during the virtual DC FanDome event. A panel for the film was held during Comic Con Experience's digital event CCXP Worlds on December 6, with James Gunn and members of the cast in attendance. The cast members discussed their characters, and a design for Elba's costume as Bloodsport was revealed. Cena decided to wear the Peacemaker costume for interviews and other promotional events as a way to familiarize the audience with the lesser-known character, which was a tactic that he had previously used when he was a professional wrestler. The film's first trailer was released on March 26, 2021, with Alex McLevy of ''The A.V. Club'' praising its jokes and action. He felt everything about the trailer perfectly captured the Suicide Squad's inherent "outlandish fun" from the comics. Anthony D'Alessandro at ''Deadline Hollywood'' felt the trailer had all the trademarks of Gunn's ''Guardians of the Galaxy'' films, noting the use of a "retro hit single" in Steely Dan's "Dirty Work (Steely Dan song), Dirty Work", with ''The Verge'' Jay Peters also getting "some serious ''Guardians of the Galaxy'' vibes" from the trailer. D'Alessandro and Peters both compared it to the recently released DC film ''Zack Snyder's Justice League'' and noted how the trailer was much more colorful and humorous than that film. McLevy, Jennifer Bisset and Sean Keane of ''CNET'', and ''CinemaBlend'' Sean O'Connell all highlighted King Shark and his R-rated scenes. The trailer was viewed 150 million times within a week of its release, breaking the record for red band trailers that was established earlier in the year by the trailer for ''Mortal Kombat (2021 film), Mortal Kombat'' (2021). A green band trailer was released online on April Fool's Day, after debuting in front of theatrical screenings of ''Godzilla vs. Kong'' (2021). It features new footage because Gunn did not want to use an edited version of the red band trailer as is usually done. Jennifer Ouellette at ''Ars Technica'' noted that the new trailer had a darker, more ominous tone than the red band version, without the jokes and King Shark scenes and with added character beats. Another trailer was released on June 22 by the main cast of the film in a marketing stunt where they pretended that they were leaking the trailer early. Gunn and Warner Bros. also joked about the trailer's "early release". The trailer features the song "Rain" by grandson and Jessie Reyez from the film's soundtrack album. Footage from the film is included in the music video for "Rain", which was released the next month.


Release


Theatrical and streaming

''The Suicide Squad'' premiered theatrically in the United Kingdom on July 30, 2021. It was scheduled to debut in the United States on August 6, but was moved up a day to August 5, which is James Gunn's birthday, for early preview screenings. The film was also made available on the streaming service
HBO Max HBO Max is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. Launched in the United States on May 27, 2020, the service is built around the libraries of HBO, Warner Bros., Cartoon Ne ...
on August 5, for a one-month premiere streaming window. This was done as part of Warner Bros.' joint theatrical and streaming release strategy for 2021 films that was announced in December 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on this release strategy in January 2022, Gunn acknowledged suggestions that it negatively impacted on the film's box office performance and said the approach was not ideal for the film. He added that the film was widely pirated following its streaming debut, with a high quality version of the film appearing on piracy websites almost immediately after it was released on HBO Max. Internet technology company Akamai reported, based on global unlicensed streaming and torrent data, that ''The Suicide Squad'' was the sixth most pirated film between January and September 2021. Despite this, Gunn was grateful that people had been able to see the film online during the pandemic and that it had otherwise been well received.


Home media

The film was made available for digital purchase and rental on September 17, 2021, after leaving its HBO Max same day premiere window. ''The Suicide Squad'' was then released on DVD, Blu-ray, and Ultra HD Blu-ray on October 26, with special features including a commentary by Gunn, deleted and extended scenes, a gag reel, three retro style trailers, breakdowns of key scenes from the film, and several making-of featurettes. The film was the top-seller for home media sales in the United States for two weeks after its release, on both the The NPD Group, NPD Videoscan First Alert chart (which tracks combined Blu-ray and DVD sales) and the dedicated Blu-ray sales chart. According to ''The Numbers (website), The Numbers'', it sold a combined 146,752 Blu-ray and DVD units in its first week for a total of $3.8 million. It was the fourth highest-selling title for the month of October on the VideoScan First Alert chart.


Reception


Box office

''The Suicide Squad'' grossed $55.8 million in the United States and Canada, and $112.8 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $168.7 million, against a production budget of $185 million. In the United States and Canada, the film made $12.2 million on its first day, including $4.1 million from Thursday night previews, which was the biggest first day for an R-rated film during the pandemic. That contributed to $26.2 million across the film's opening weekend, which was also the biggest for an R-rated film during the pandemic and included $2.6 million from IMAX screens and other large formats. Despite the pandemic-era records, the film fell short of Warner Bros. and industry projections of a $30 million opening, projections that themselves were considered low and were closer to the underperforming ''Birds of Prey'' than the successful first ''Suicide Squad''. The film then "plummeted" 70 percent in its second weekend, finishing fifth with just $7.75 million. This drop was similar to those seen in the second weekends of other films released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max, such as ''Space Jam: A New Legacy'' (2021). ''The Suicide Squad'' dropped another 54 percent in its third weekend, grossing $3.4 million, before crossing $50 million total in its fourth weekend with an additional $2 million. The week prior to its domestic release, the film made $6.7 million from five countries, including $4.7 million in the United Kingdom and $1.6 million in France. ''The Suicide Squad'' expanded to 69 countries, covering all major markets except Japan, in its second week of international release. It made $35 million, finishing first in Russia ($4.2 million), Mexico ($2 million), Brazil ($1.5 million), Spain ($1.3 million), and Italy ($1.1 million), and only dropped 25 percent in markets that it opened in the previous week. $2.45 million of the total was contributed by IMAX screens. Even when taking into account the pandemic limiting theaters in territories such as Italy, Australia, Mexico, and South East Asia, the weekend's total grosses were below expectations. The film opened at number one in Japan the following week with $1.9 million, retained first position in Brazil, and moved to first in Australia as well. Overall the weekend total was $17 million, down 50 percent from the previous week and behind new release ''Free Guy'' in many markets. The film added $8.7 million in its fourth international weekend, before passing $100 million total internationally the next week with an additional $4.6 million. The United Kingdom, Russia, France, Germany, and Mexico were the leading markets for the film outside of the U.S. and Canada. The film's box office underperformance was generally attributed to its release during the COVID-19 pandemic, the fact that it was also available for streaming on HBO Max at the same time as its theatrical release, piracy allowed by the streaming release, the R-rating which limited younger audiences, the poor reception to the first ''Suicide Squad'', the lack of bankable stars such as Will Smith, and confusion from general audiences over its relationship to the first film caused by their similar titles. Anthony D'Alessandro of ''Deadline Hollywood'' felt the HBO Max availability and feelings about the first film outweighed the impacts of the pandemic, and noted that other films had made significantly more money at the box office in recent weeks. Writing for ''Forbes'', Scott Mendelson especially highlighted the lack of stars, feeling that general audiences would not know of Gunn and his involvement and instead would see the film as a sequel without the main draws of the first film, such as Smith. Mendelson added that the film's $185 million budget was an "absurd amount to spend" on an R-rated film and was significantly more than what was spent on previous R-rated superhero films. He said the film required a "best-case-scenario box office" just to break even with that budget, and that did not turn out to be the case.


Streaming viewership

HBO Max reported that ''The Suicide Squad'' had the second-biggest opening weekend of all the films that premiered simultaneously on the streaming service and in theaters. The service did not provide further details or data, but analytics company Samba TV, which gathers viewership data from certain Smart TVs and content providers, reported that 2.8 million U.S. households watched the film over its first four days of release on HBO Max, which placed it only behind ''Mortal Kombat (2021 film), Mortal Kombat'' (3.8 million) for simultaneous theater and streaming releases. Also according to Samba TV, ''The Suicide Squad'' had the biggest HBO Max debut for a DC film, ahead of both ''Wonder Woman 1984'' (2.2 million) and ''Zack Snyder's Justice League'' (1.8 million). While discussing Nielsen Media Research's streaming ratings—which HBO Max does not participate in—for the week of the film's release, ''Forbes'' Scott Mendelson estimated that around 369 million minutes of the film had been viewed based on Samba TV's figures, which would have placed it third on Nielsen's list of top streaming films for the week behind Netflix's ''Vivo (film), Vivo'' (493 million minutes) and Disney+'s '' Jungle Cruise'' (407 million minutes). Samba TV later reported that 3.5 million American households had watched the film within its first week of release. This grew to 4.7 million for the first 17 days, which placed it third after ''Mortal Kombat'' (5.5 million) and ''Godzilla vs. Kong'' (5.1 million). These rankings remained the same for Samba TV's 30 day figures, which reported 5.1 million households having viewed ''The Suicide Squad'' in that time. According to Whip Media, who track viewership data for the 19 million worldwide users of their TV Time app, ''The Suicide Squad'' was the seventh-most-streamed-film of 2021 and the most-streamed-project of the year for HBO Max.


Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes, ''The Suicide Squad'' holds an approval rating of based on reviews, with an average score of . The site's critical consensus reads, "Enlivened by writer-director James Gunn's singularly skewed vision, ''The Suicide Squad'' marks a funny, fast-paced rebound that plays to the source material's violent, anarchic strengths." On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 72 out of 100, based on 55 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale, the same score that the first film and ''Birds of Prey'' received, while PostTrak reported that 83% of audience members gave it a positive score compared to 73% for the first film. 62% told PostTrak that they would definitely recommend the film. Reviewing for ''The A.V. Club'', Katie Rife gave the film a "B+" grade and said, "Now that superhero movies have gone from disreputable entertainment for children to global events ushered in with awed reverence, it was time for someone to come along and pop the balloon. Pulpy and outrageous, irreverent and ultraviolent, ''The Suicide Squad'' does so with a smile." Writing for ''Variety (magazine), Variety'', Owen Gleiberman called the film what "the first ''Suicide Squad'' should have been" and said that "''The Suicide Squad'' comes sizzlingly alive as all-cylinders comic-book moviemaking. There's a frowsy destructive joy to the staging." Clarisse Loughrey of ''The Independent'' also praised the film and considered it an improvement over ''Suicide Squad'', writing "Gunn’s distinct and self-assured vision, which he’s said was left untouched and unbothered by studio interference, puts ''The Suicide Squad'' alongside the very best of modern comic-book filmmaking. His film, which now comes with an all-important '''The''' at the beginning of its title, functions both as a sequel and a fresh start." Brian Truitt of ''USA Today'' gave the film 3.5 stars out of 4 and said "''The Suicide Squad'' shifts superhero movies into a hilarious, gory and exceedingly bonkers new direction but writer/director James Gunn still makes time to show one goofy supervillain making sure another's buckled up for a plane ride headed for certain doom" and also said that the film "is a bloody marvel that blows up the superhero genre." Justin Chang from ''Los Angeles Times'' stated: "After 2016's ugly, bludgeoning ''Suicide Squad'', I couldn't imagine liking - and could barely stomach the idea of seeing - another movie called ''Suicide Squad''. I'm delighted to be proven wrong", and called the film "redemption for James Gunn and DC". Richard Trenholm of ''CNET'' gave the film a positive review and praised it for its themes, writing "This irreverent comic book movie takes shots at very big and serious themes, raging against Imperialism, Western imperialism, American foreign policy and government deception as it indicts interference in foreign countries. Representing this chilling bureaucratic evil, Amanda Waller emerges as perhaps the most hateful villain in the DC universe — certainly the coldest." Alonso Duralde of the ''TheWrap'' wrote: "''The Suicide Squad'' is by no means perfect, but like the ''Deadpool (film), Deadpool'' movies, it's a showcase for what can happen when a superhero movie is allowed to be sprightly, self-aware, and sardonic while also indulging in hard-R violence, gore, and language. Gunn's latest creation is not without moments that drag, but when it pops, it pops brilliantly." ''Entertainment Weekly''s Leah Greenblatt gave the film a C+ grade and wrote: "The script, accordingly, herks and jerks along with a sort of forced-festive glee, its mounting body count buffeted by goofball banter and pounding soundtrack cues. A good half of the jokes don't land, but unlike his predecessor's joyless slog, Gunn's version at least celebrates the nonsense." Peter Bradshaw of ''The Guardian'' gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, and called it "a long, loud, often enjoyable and amusing film that blitzes your eyeballs and eardrums and covers all the bases."


Themes and analysis

Some critics have interpreted ''The Suicide Squad'' as a critique and even a parody of Foreign policy of the United States, American foreign policy and noted some anti-imperialist themes, which was arguably done in greater extent than the film's predecessor. Noah Berlatsky of ''Foreign Policy'' compares the rationale of the Suicide Squad's intervention in the Corto Maltese civil war to the 2003 invasion of Iraq on the grounds of an anti-American regime purportedly gaining access to and weaponizing a destructive force such as Starro. He also notes that American interference in Corto Maltese is "as every bit as disastrous as the 2003 Iraq invasion," also commenting that ''The Suicide Squad'' depicts the U.S. government as "bumbling" and "corrupt", citing the squad's accidental slaughter of the very fighters they were supposed to protect and Amanda Waller's desire to cover up America's role in Project Starfish and ambivalence towards Starro's rampage. Reuben Baron of CBR.com compares the torture and experimentation of Corto Maltese civillians in Project Starfish to the Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse scandal and allegations of prisoner torture at Guantanamo Bay detention camp. He opines that the evil actions of Silvio Luna's regime and Starro, while heinous, are "just symptomatic of the ultimate villain of ''The Suicide Squad'': the United States government," describing Peacemaker's betrayal of the team as "misguided patriotism", and that the "heroes in this movie are those who are willing to defy the orders given to them by the government". Lucy Nichols of ''Counter Fire'' writes that the film "bizarrely, openly critiques American imperialism in Latin America", and like Baron, comments that ''The Suicide Squad'' is unusual among superhero films with its direct criticism of the U.S. government and military.


Accolades


Future


Spin-offs

Gunn began working on a spin-off series featuring Peacemaker while completing work on ''The Suicide Squad''. In January 2021, Gunn said he had ideas for more television spin-offs beyond ''Peacemaker''. DC Films president Walter Hamada said a month later that they had plans for more projects with Gunn, and Safran said there was potential for more spin-offs based on Suicide Squad members such as Ratcatcher and Bloodsport if a filmmaker had a unique vision for them. Gunn said in February that he did not necessarily intend to write and direct every ''The Suicide Squad'' spin-off himself, like he did for ''Peacemaker''. On November 10, 2022, Stallone confirmed that he would be returning to the franchise as King Shark, though he did not specify what project he would appear in.


''Peacemaker''

While completing work on ''The Suicide Squad'' during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gunn began writing a spin-off television series centered on Peacemaker. In September 2020, HBO Max ordered ''Peacemaker'' straight-to-series, with Gunn writing all eight episodes and directing five of them. Cena stars as Peacemaker, with Agee, Holland, and Davis also reprising their respective film roles. Gunn and Safran executive produce the series, which premiered in January 2022. HBO Max renewed the series for a second season a month later, with Gunn set to write and direct all episodes.


Untitled spin-off series

Gunn revealed in January 2022 that he was developing a new television project for DC, and it was confirmed to be based on a character from ''The Suicide Squad'' at the end of the month. HBO Max had not greenlit the series, for which writing had yet to begin, but the streaming service was said to be "high" on the idea based on Gunn's enthusiasm for it. The next month, Gunn said that they had been "working heavily" on the series and it had "advanced a lot", and said more details should be revealed soon. The series was reported to feature Amanda Waller in May 2022, but Gunn stated a month later that the series was separate from a potential Amanda Waller project though there would be "some blending" of characters from ''Peacemaker'' in the series.


Untitled Amanda Waller series

A spin-off series featuring Amanda Waller was revealed in May 2022, with Christal Henry writing and serving as executive producer alongside Gunn and Safran. Davis was in negotiations to reprise her role and also executive produce the series, which was expected to build off Waller's appearances in ''Peacemaker'' which publicly revealed her work with the Suicide Squad.


Possible sequel

In July 2021, Gunn said he had ideas for a sequel film that would go in a different direction from just assembling a new Suicide Squad team. In June 2022, Gunn said there had been discussions about a sequel to ''The Suicide Squad'' and he was considering it for his next feature film but his focus was on television for the foreseeable future following his positive experience making ''Peacemaker''.


References

{{Reflist, refs= {{Cite web , date=July 27, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad (15) , url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/the-suicide-squad-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc01mtg1mty , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731225405/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/the-suicide-squad-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc01mtg1mty , archive-date=July 31, 2021 , access-date=July 31, 2021 , website=British Board of Film Classification {{Cite web , last=Hickson , first=Colin , date=October 29, 2020 , title=James Gunn's The Suicide Squad Involves Nazi Prisons and Experiments , url=https://www.cbr.com/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-plot-details/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101050826/https://www.cbr.com/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-plot-details/ , archive-date=November 1, 2020 , access-date=December 4, 2020 , website=Comic Book Resources {{Cite web , last=Vary , first=Adam B. , date=August 22, 2020 , title='The Suicide Squad' First Look, Full Cast Revealed by Director James Gunn at DC FanDome , url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/the-suicide-squad-first-look-full-cast-revealed-by-director-james-gunn-at-dc-fandome-1234744128/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822225644/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/the-suicide-squad-first-look-full-cast-revealed-by-director-james-gunn-at-dc-fandome-1234744128/ , archive-date=August 22, 2020 , access-date=August 22, 2020 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{Cite web , last=Beasley , first=Tom , date=August 22, 2020 , title=James Gunn unveils 'The Suicide Squad' character list , url=https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/james-gunn-suicide-squad-cast-203816210.html , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822224510/https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/james-gunn-suicide-squad-cast-203816210.html , archive-date=August 22, 2020 , access-date=August 24, 2020 , website=Yahoo! Movies UK {{Cite web , last=Anderton , first=Ethan , date=August 22, 2020 , title=The Suicide Squad DC FanDome Panel Recap: Meet the Bad Guys , url=https://www.slashfilm.com/the-suicide-squad-introduces-the-full-roster-of-bad-guys-james-gunn-is-bringing-to-theaters-dc-fandome/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824205614/https://www.slashfilm.com/the-suicide-squad-introduces-the-full-roster-of-bad-guys-james-gunn-is-bringing-to-theaters-dc-fandome/ , archive-date=August 24, 2020 , access-date=August 24, 2020 , website=/Film {{Cite tweet , number=1297281131365072896 , user=JamesGunn , title=Amanda Waller (played by @violadavis), John Economos (played by @steveagee) & Flo Crawley (played by Tinashe Kajese - not revealed in today’s materials - well until now) - are all from those books. , author-link=James Gunn , date=August 22, 2020 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115180958/https://twitter.com/jamesgunn/status/1297281131365072896 , archive-date=November 15, 2020 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1302705059952697344 , user=JamesGunn , title=I rarely write roles for actors I've never met, but I did exactly that for @idriselba in #TheSuicideSquad & couldn't be happier I did - you went beyond my expectations as an actor AND as a human being. I can't wait for folks to see you as #Bloodsport. Happy Birthday, my friend! , author-link=James Gunn , date=September 6, 2020 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918021534/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1302705059952697344 , archive-date=September 18, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1321878922917629952 , user=JamesGunn , title=Good eye, Justin! Yes, John Ostrander - the creator of the late '80s Squad in the comics - who just happens to have started in the entertainment industry as an actor (he's really good!) - plays Dr. Fitzgibbon in the #TheSuicideSquad , author-link=James Gunn , date=October 29, 2020 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804132220/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1321878922917629952 , archive-date=August 4, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite web , last=Haring , first=Bruce , date=November 14, 2020 , title='The Suicide Squad' Adds Sylvester Stallone To Its Lineup, Confirmed By James Gunn On Instagram , url=https://deadline.com/2020/11/the-suicide-squad-adds-sylvester-stallone-james-gunn-confims-on-instagram-1234615905/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114232924/https://deadline.com/2020/11/the-suicide-squad-adds-sylvester-stallone-james-gunn-confims-on-instagram-1234615905/ , archive-date=November 14, 2020 , access-date=November 14, 2020 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=Bonomolo , first=Cameron , date=December 6, 2020 , title=The Suicide Squad Reveals New Look at Idris Elba's Badass and Brutal Bloodsport , url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-bloodsport-idris-elba-new-look-james-gunn-ccxp/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207234412/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-bloodsport-idris-elba-new-look-james-gunn-ccxp/ , archive-date=December 7, 2020 , access-date=December 7, 2020 , website=ComicBook.com {{Cite web , last=Clarke , first=Cass , date=January 25, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad Isn't a Sequel - But It's Not Quite a Reboot , url=https://www.cbr.com/the-suicide-squad-isnt-a-sequel-but-its-not-quite-a-reboot/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126022108/https://www.cbr.com/the-suicide-squad-isnt-a-sequel-but-its-not-quite-a-reboot/ , archive-date=January 26, 2021 , access-date=February 7, 2021 , website=Comic Book Resources {{Cite tweet , number=1375486157702590466 , user=JamesGunn , title=Oh, that? That's Milton. , author-link=James Gunn , date=March 26, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905041848/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1375486157702590466 , archive-date=September 5, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1375856041045319680 , user=JamesGunn , title=I did tests with the hammerhead design, which I love & originally thought I’d use. But having eyes on the sides far apart made it incredibly awkward shooting interactions with other people. You couldn’t really see him looking at the other person & the shots tended to be too wide. , author-link=James Gunn , date=March 27, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220113144/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1375856041045319680 , archive-date=December 20, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1375856738147069954 , user=JamesGunn , title=But I was insistent on the dad-bod from the beginning as I didn’t think King Shark would have such mammalian body structure. , author-link=James Gunn , date=March 27, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806152358/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1375856738147069954 , archive-date=August 6, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1375864123477487623 , user=JamesGunn , title=I love that design & the Harley Quinn show & @RonFunches version, but it was a complete coincidence as we were shooting a year before they debuted. @TheSlyStallone’s version (developed by @steveagee on set) is very different. , author-link=James Gunn , date=March 27, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816064411/https://twitter.com/jamesgunn/status/1375864123477487623 , archive-date=August 16, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1375866870209777666 , user=JamesGunn , title=Yes, I realize he's cute: strange since we actively avoided neotenic designs used on cute anthropomorphic beasts to elicit that evolutionary "awww." Think Baby Groot/Yoda. His eyes are small, not big. His mouth is big, not small. And his head is tiny. , author-link=James Gunn , date=March 27, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924125421/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1375866870209777666 , archive-date=September 24, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1375878759048339459 , user=JamesGunn , title=One final King Shark bit of trivia from #TheSuicideSquad. In this bit of footage, the Shark is CG of course, but the person is real. Well, not a real person, but a practical effect by our SFX & prosthetics teams that I shot. , author-link=James Gunn , date=March 27, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811103544/https://twitter.com/jamesgunn/status/1375878759048339459 , archive-date=August 11, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite web , last=Libbey , first=Dirk , date=August 21, 2020 , title=Margot Robbie Explains How Harley Quinn Is Different In The Suicide Squad , url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2553019/margot-robbie-explains-how-harley-quinn-is-different-in-the-suicide-squad , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822081940/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2553019/margot-robbie-explains-how-harley-quinn-is-different-in-the-suicide-squad , archive-date=August 22, 2020 , access-date=April 7, 2021 , website=CinemaBlend {{Cite tweet , number=1378239478641221634 , user=JamesGunn , title=We haven’t even begun to show you the truth behind Abner Krill - I can’t wait for you to discover his many dark & sad secrets. #TheSuicideSquad #PolkaDotMan @Dastmalchian , author-link=James Gunn , date=April 3, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810074405/https://twitter.com/jamesgunn/status/1378239478641221634 , archive-date=August 10, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite web , last=Gillespie , first=Daniel , date=April 7, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad: Pete Davidson Took His Role Because Of The Character's Crude Name , url=https://screenrant.com/suicide-squad-2-pete-davidson-blackguard-role-why-response/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407233254/https://screenrant.com/suicide-squad-2-pete-davidson-blackguard-role-why-response/ , archive-date=April 7, 2021 , access-date=April 7, 2021 , website=Screen Rant {{Cite web , last=Parker , first=Ryan , date=April 1, 2021 , title=New 'Suicide Squad' Trailer Confirms Nathan Fillion Playing Arm-Fall-Off-Boy , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/new-suicide-squad-trailer-confirms-nathan-fillion-playing-arm-fall-off-boy , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401220744/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/new-suicide-squad-trailer-confirms-nathan-fillion-playing-arm-fall-off-boy , archive-date=April 1, 2021 , access-date=April 7, 2021 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Schaeffer , first=Sandy , date=April 2, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad's Weasel Was Inspired by Bloom County's Bill the Cat , url=https://www.cbr.com/suicide-squad-weasel-inspired-by-bill-the-cat/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402205925/https://www.cbr.com/suicide-squad-weasel-inspired-by-bill-the-cat/ , archive-date=April 2, 2021 , access-date=April 7, 2021 , website=Comic Book Resources {{Cite web , last=Crow , first=David , date=April 27, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad: James Gunn Talks the Creative Freedom of That R-Rating , url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-talks-the-creative-freedom-of-that-r-rating/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://archive.today/2021.05.08-225944/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-talks-the-creative-freedom-of-that-r-rating/ , archive-date=May 8, 2021 , access-date=May 8, 2021 , website=Den of Geek {{Cite web , last=Mancuso , first=Vinnie , date=September 23, 2020 , title='The Suicide Squad': Captain Boomerang Is the "Same Shitbag Liability," Says Jai Courtney , url=https://collider.com/the-suicide-squad-jai-courtney-captain-boomerang-details/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925034016/https://collider.com/the-suicide-squad-jai-courtney-captain-boomerang-details/ , archive-date=September 25, 2020 , access-date=May 14, 2021 , website=Collider (website), Collider {{Cite web , last=Harley , first=Nick , date=April 27, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad: John Cena and the Secrets of Peacemaker , url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-john-cena-and-the-secrets-of-peacemaker/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428033700/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-john-cena-and-the-secrets-of-peacemaker/ , archive-date=April 28, 2021 , access-date=May 20, 2021 , website=Den of Geek {{Cite web , last=Schedeen , first=Jesse , date=June 25, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad: Exclusive Trailer Breakdown With Director James Gunn , url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-suicide-squad-trailer-breakdown-james-gunn-superman-dceu , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627070247/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-suicide-squad-trailer-breakdown-james-gunn-superman-dceu , archive-date=June 27, 2021 , access-date=June 27, 2021 , website=IGN {{Cite Instagram , author-link=Stephen Blackehart , last=Blackehart , first=Stephen , user=blackehart , date=May 24, 2021 , title=@jamesgunn let the cat out of the bag today. It's a small role, but I'm playing this guy, Briscoe (the pilot), in #TheSuicideSquad. I had a blast hanging out with all the cool characters on the set. , postid=CPOptU-J0hV , access-date=June 27, 2021 {{Cite web , last=Meyer , first=Joshua , date=June 29, 2021 , title=Here's Why Harley Quinn's Face Tattoo Was Removed for 'The Suicide Squad' , url=https://www.slashfilm.com/harley-quinn-tattoo-the-suicide-squad/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629123820/https://www.slashfilm.com/harley-quinn-tattoo-the-suicide-squad/ , archive-date=June 29, 2021 , access-date=June 30, 2021 , website=/Film {{Cite tweet , number=1414711388031832065 , user=JamesGunn , title=Quick guide to #TheSuicideSquad members: Javelin - Gunter Braun Bloodsport - Robert Dubois Ratcatcher 2 - Cleo Cazo Polka-Dot Man - Abner Krill Blackguard - Richard Hertz Savant - Brian Durlin The Thinker - Gaius Grieves Harley Quinn - Harleen Quinzel , author-link=James Gunn , date=July 12, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713024454/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1414711388031832065 , archive-date=July 13, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1414711389931851782 , user=JamesGunn , title=King Shark - Nanaue TDK - Cory Pitzner Peacemaker - Christopher Smith Mongal - Mongal Weasel - Unknown Captain Boomerang - Digger Harkness , author-link=James Gunn , date=July 12, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811060333/https://twitter.com/jamesgunn/status/1414711389931851782 , archive-date=August 11, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1411784607293267968 , user=JamesGunn , title=[In response to "Is it true the Thinker's real name is Gaius Grieves?"] Yes , author-link=James Gunn , date=July 4, 2021 , access-date=July 4, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705022531/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1411784607293267968 , archive-date=July 5, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1411740986804473857 , user=JamesGunn , title=No. It's Cleo Cazo. #TheSuicideSquad , author-link=James Gunn , date=July 4, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905011015/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1411740986804473857 , archive-date=September 5, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite web , last=Dick , first=Jeremy , date=July 15, 2021 , title=Sean Gunn Is Calendar Man in New The Suicide Squad Character Trailer , url=https://movieweb.com/the-suicide-squad-teaser-sean-gunn-calendar-man/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716021250/https://movieweb.com/the-suicide-squad-teaser-sean-gunn-calendar-man/ , archive-date=July 16, 2021 , access-date=July 15, 2021 , website=MovieWeb {{Cite web , last=Kurp , first=Josh , date=July 16, 2021 , title=It's Time To Meet King Shark, Ratcatcher 2, And The Rest Of 'The Suicide Squad' Weirdos In A New Featurette , url=https://uproxx.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-meet-the-team/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717171638/https://uproxx.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-meet-the-team/ , archive-date=July 17, 2021 , access-date=July 17, 2021 , website=Uproxx {{Cite web , last=Brooks , first=Nicholas , date=April 1, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad Reveals One New Villain Is Truly Evil , url=https://www.cbr.com/the-suicide-squad-confirms-mongal-evil/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401195326/https://www.cbr.com/the-suicide-squad-confirms-mongal-evil/ , archive-date=April 1, 2021 , access-date=July 17, 2021 , website=Comic Book Resources {{Cite web , last=Mithaiwala , first=Mansoor , date=August 5, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad Cast, Character & DC Cameo Guide , url=https://screenrant.com/suicide-squad-2021-cast-characters-cameos-dc-guide/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806115014/https://screenrant.com/suicide-squad-2021-cast-characters-cameos-dc-guide/ , archive-date=August 6, 2021 , access-date=August 7, 2021 , website=Screen Rant {{Cite web , last=Holland , first=Patrick , date=August 5, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad's David Dastmalchian has a very personal connection to Polka Dot Man , url=https://www.cnet.com/news/the-suicide-squads-david-dastmalchian-has-a-personal-connection-to-polka-dot-man/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806070236/https://www.cnet.com/news/the-suicide-squads-david-dastmalchian-has-a-personal-connection-to-polka-dot-man/ , archive-date=August 6, 2021 , access-date=August 7, 2021 , website=CNET {{Cite web , last=Michel , first=Katie , date=August 8, 2021 , title=Who is Javelin? Flula Borg's Suicide Squad Character Explained , url=https://screenrant.com/javelin-flula-borgs-suicide-squad-character-explained/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809000028/https://screenrant.com/javelin-flula-borgs-suicide-squad-character-explained/ , archive-date=August 9, 2021 , access-date=August 12, 2021 , website=Screen Rant {{Cite magazine , last=Collis , first=Clark , date=July 14, 2021 , title=One of the rodent performers in 'The Suicide Squad' was named Crisp Ratt , url=https://ew.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-chris-pratt/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714162602/https://ew.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-chris-pratt/ , archive-date=July 14, 2021 , access-date=August 17, 2021 , magazine=Entertainment Weekly {{Cite web , last=Erin , first=Brady , date=August 15, 2021 , title='The Suicide Squad': The Bizarre Empowerment of Polka-Dot Man , url=https://collider.com/why-polka-dot-man-the-suicide-squad-is-empowering/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815220037/https://collider.com/why-polka-dot-man-the-suicide-squad-is-empowering/ , archive-date=August 15, 2021 , access-date=January 17, 2022 , website=Collider (website), Collider {{Cite web , last=Weintraub , first=Steve , date=August 15, 2021 , title=James Gunn on 'The Suicide Squad' Deleted Scenes, Creating "Harley-Vision," His Filmmaking Process and More , url=https://collider.com/james-gunn-interview-the-suicide-squad-deleted-scenes/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815170214/https://collider.com/james-gunn-interview-the-suicide-squad-deleted-scenes/ , archive-date=August 15, 2021 , access-date=February 19, 2022 , website=Collider (website), Collider {{Cite podcast , url=https://www.scriptapart.com/episodes/episode-26-the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-interview , title=Episode 26: The Suicide Squad with James Gunn , website=Script Apart , last=Horner , first=Al , date=August 2021 , access-date=February 19, 2022 {{Cite web , last=Salazar , first=Andrew J. , date=August 4, 2021 , title=Steve Agee on Becoming King Shark in 'The Suicide Squad' - Exclusive Interview , url=https://discussingfilm.net/2021/08/04/steve-agee-on-becoming-king-shark-in-the-suicide-squad-exclusive-interview/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804230006/https://discussingfilm.net/2021/08/04/steve-agee-on-becoming-king-shark-in-the-suicide-squad-exclusive-interview/ , archive-date=August 4, 2021 , access-date=February 19, 2022 , website=DiscussingFilm {{Cite web , last=Goldman , first=Eric , date=July 16, 2021 , title=James Gunn on Why He Wanted to Take Risks With 'The Suicide Squad' , url=https://www.fandom.com/articles/james-gunn-the-suicide-squad-character-deaths , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716040835/https://www.fandom.com/articles/james-gunn-the-suicide-squad-character-deaths , archive-date=July 16, 2021 , access-date=February 19, 2022 , website=Fandom (website), Fandom {{Cite web , last=Larsen , first=Peter , date=August 2, 2021 , title=Why 'The Suicide Squad' is not a sequel, according to James Gunn and Joel Kinnaman , url=https://www.dailydemocrat.com/2021/08/02/why-the-suicide-squad-is-not-a-sequel-according-to-james-gunn-and-joel-kinnaman , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802205519/https://www.dailydemocrat.com/2021/08/02/why-the-suicide-squad-is-not-a-sequel-according-to-james-gunn-and-joel-kinnaman/ , archive-date=August 2, 2021 , access-date=February 19, 2022 , website=Daily Democrat {{Cite web , last=Crow , first=David , date=August 6, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad: Who Lives and Who Dies , url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-who-lives-and-dies/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220231939/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-who-lives-and-dies/ , archive-date=February 20, 2022 , access-date=February 20, 2022 , website=Den of Geek {{Cite web , last=Wasserman , first=Ben , date=September 19, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad: Why The Thinker's Gorier Death Didn't Make the Final Cut , url=https://www.cbr.com/the-suicide-squad-thinker-gorier-death-did-not-make-final-cut/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920182224/https://www.cbr.com/the-suicide-squad-thinker-gorier-death-did-not-make-final-cut/ , archive-date=September 20, 2021 , access-date=February 20, 2022 , website=Comic Book Resources {{Cite web , last=Kroll , first=Justin , date=March 2, 2016 , title=Will Smith, David Ayer Reteaming on Max Landis Spec 'Bright' , url=https://variety.com/2016/film/news/will-smith-david-ayer-bright-suicide-squad-1201696226/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929144638/https://variety.com/2016/film/news/will-smith-david-ayer-bright-suicide-squad-1201696226/ , archive-date=September 29, 2016 , access-date=March 5, 2016 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{Cite web , last=Bell , first=Crystal , date=April 14, 2016 , title=Suicide Squad Director David Ayer Wants to Make an R-Rated Sequel Happen , url=https://www.mtv.com/news/2868007/suicide-squad-sequel-r-rating/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723185327/https://www.mtv.com/news/2868007/suicide-squad-sequel-r-rating/ , archive-date=July 23, 2016 , access-date=July 12, 2017 , website=MTV {{Cite web , last=Kit , first=Borys , date=December 13, 2016 , title=David Ayer, Margot Robbie Reteam for All-Female DC Villains Movie 'Gotham City Sirens' (Exclusive) , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/gotham-city-sirens-movie-david-ayer-margot-robbie-reteam-all-female-dc-villains-project- , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713013607/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/gotham-city-sirens-movie-david-ayer-margot-robbie-reteam-all-female-dc-villains-project- , archive-date=July 13, 2017 , access-date=July 12, 2017 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Kit , first=Borys , date=February 15, 2017 , title=Warner Bros. Courts Mel Gibson to Direct 'Suicide Squad' Sequel , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/warner-bros-courts-mel-gibson-suicide-squad-sequel-974436 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216004136/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/warner-bros-courts-mel-gibson-suicide-squad-sequel-974436 , archive-date=February 16, 2017 , access-date=July 12, 2017 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Kroll , first=Justin , date=February 15, 2017 , title=''Suicide Squad 2'': Mel Gibson, Jonathan Levine, Ruben Fleischer Among Directors Being Considered for Sequel , url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/suicide-squad-2-director-mel-gibson-jonathan-levine-ruben-fleischer-1201989606/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216212201/https://variety.com/2017/film/news/suicide-squad-2-director-mel-gibson-jonathan-levine-ruben-fleischer-1201989606/ , archive-date=February 16, 2017 , access-date=September 22, 2019 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{Cite web , last=Kit , first=Borys , date=March 15, 2017 , title='Suicide Squad 2' Lands 'Legend of Tarzan' Writer (Exclusive) , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/suicide-squad-2-lands-legend-tarzan-writer-986284 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509111310/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/suicide-squad-2-lands-legend-tarzan-writer-986284 , archive-date=May 9, 2017 , access-date=September 7, 2017 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Goldberg , first=Matt , date=March 17, 2017 , title=Rumor: David Goyer Could Direct ''Suicide Squad 2'' or ''Green Lantern Corps'' , url=https://collider.com/suicide-squad-2-green-lantern-director-david-goyer/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317225203/https://collider.com/suicide-squad-2-green-lantern-director-david-goyer/ , archive-date=March 17, 2017 , access-date=September 22, 2019 , website=Collider (website), Collider {{Cite web , last=Fleming , first=Mike Jr. , date=July 11, 2017 , title=Jaume Collet-Serra Frontrunner For 'Suicide Squad' Sequel , url=https://deadline.com/2017/07/suicide-squad-sequel-jaume-collet-warner-bros-will-smith-margot-robbie-1202126933/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712024339/https://deadline.com/2017/07/suicide-squad-sequel-jaume-collet-warner-bros-will-smith-margot-robbie-1202126933/ , archive-date=July 12, 2017 , access-date=July 12, 2017 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=Kit , first=Borys , date=July 11, 2017 , title='Suicide Squad 2': 'The Shallows' Helmer Frontrunner to Direct , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/suicide-squad-2-shallows-director-frontrunner-direct-1020207 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713050426/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/suicide-squad-2-shallows-director-frontrunner-direct-1020207 , archive-date=July 13, 2017 , access-date=September 7, 2017 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Deckelmeir , first=Joe , date=March 13, 2018 , title=Exclusive: Zak Penn Wants To Expand ''The Matrix'' Universe , url=https://screenrant.com/matrix-reboot-zak-penn-shared-universe/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319070733/https://screenrant.com/matrix-reboot-zak-penn-shared-universe/ , archive-date=March 19, 2018 , access-date=September 22, 2019 , website=Screen Rant {{Cite web , last=Fleming , first=Mike Jr. , date=July 31, 2017 , title=Jaume Collet-Serra To Direct Dwayne Johnson In 'Jungle Cruise:' No 'Suicide Squad 2' , url=https://deadline.com/2017/07/dwayne-johnson-jungle-cruise-jaume-collet-serra-director-disney-suicide-squad-2-1202139090/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731163722/https://deadline.com/2017/07/dwayne-johnson-jungle-cruise-jaume-collet-serra-director-disney-suicide-squad-2-1202139090/ , archive-date=July 31, 2017 , access-date=July 31, 2017 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=Fleming , first=Mike Jr. , date=August 22, 2017 , title=The Joker Origin Story On Deck: Todd Phillips, Scott Silver, Martin Scorsese Aboard WB/DC Film , url=https://deadline.com/2017/08/the-joker-origin-movie-todd-phillips-martin-scorsese-scott-silver-batman-dc-universe-1202154053/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823003817/https://deadline.com/2017/08/the-joker-origin-movie-todd-phillips-martin-scorsese-scott-silver-batman-dc-universe-1202154053/ , archive-date=August 23, 2017 , access-date=August 23, 2017 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite tweet , number=902605824282968064 , user=krolljvar , title=So hearing at the earliest, SUICIDE SQUAD 2 won't go in to production until fall 2018 because of Smith's schedule with Aladdin and Gemini , date=August 29, 2017 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806180408/https://twitter.com/krolljvar/status/902605824282968064 , archive-date=August 6, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Kroll , first=Justin {{Cite web , last=Fleming , first=Mike Jr. , date=September 6, 2017 , title=Gavin O'Connor To Direct 'Suicide Squad 2' , url=https://deadline.com/2017/09/gavin-oconnor-to-direct-suicide-squad-2-1202163066/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910181732/https://deadline.com/2017/09/gavin-oconnor-to-direct-suicide-squad-2-1202163066/ , archive-date=September 10, 2017 , access-date=September 7, 2017 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=Kroll , first=Justin , date=September 6, 2017 , title='Suicide Squad 2': Gavin O'Connor to Write and Direct Sequel , url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/suicide-squad-2-gavin-oconnor-writer-director-1202549203/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907014048/https://variety.com/2017/film/news/suicide-squad-2-gavin-oconnor-writer-director-1202549203/ , archive-date=September 7, 2017 , access-date=September 7, 2017 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{Cite web , last=Gonzalez , first=Umberto , date=November 7, 2017 , title=How 'Suicide Squad 2' May Introduce The Rock's Black Adam (Exclusive) , url=https://www.thewrap.com/suicide-squad-2-the-rock-black-adam-exclusive/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414170108/https://www.thewrap.com/suicide-squad-2-the-rock-black-adam-exclusive/ , archive-date=April 14, 2018 , access-date=April 15, 2018 , website=TheWrap {{Cite web , last=Hood , first=Cooper , date=October 31, 2020 , title=Early Suicide Squad 2 Story Had Black Adam As Villain , url=https://screenrant.com/suicide-squad-2-black-adam-villain-story-details/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112132320/https://screenrant.com/suicide-squad-2-black-adam-villain-story-details/ , archive-date=November 12, 2020 , access-date=November 12, 2020 , website=Screen Rant {{Cite web , last=Kroll , first=Justin , date=January 11, 2018 , title=''Suicide Squad 2'': Michael De Luca Joins Charles Roven on Producer Team , url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/suicide-squad-2-michael-de-luca-1202645015/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111233949/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/suicide-squad-2-michael-de-luca-1202645015/ , archive-date=January 11, 2018 , access-date=October 15, 2019 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{Cite web , last1=Kit , first1=Borys , last2=Couch , first2=Aaron , date=June 8, 2018 , title='Suicide Squad' Sequel Gets New Writers , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/suicide-squad-2-gets-new-writers-sequel-1118407 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610050704/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/suicide-squad-2-gets-new-writers-sequel-1118407 , archive-date=June 10, 2018 , access-date=June 8, 2018 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Fisher , first=Jacob , date=September 15, 2018 , title=Todd Stashwick Talks '12 Monkeys', 'Kim Possible', 'Suicide Squad 2 & More. (Exclusive) , url=https://discussingfilm.net/2018/09/15/todd-stashwick-talks-12-monkeys-kim-possible-suicide-squad-2-more-exclusive/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326134226/https://discussingfilm.net/2018/09/15/todd-stashwick-talks-12-monkeys-kim-possible-suicide-squad-2-more-exclusive/ , archive-date=March 26, 2019 , access-date=April 17, 2019 , website=Discussing Film {{Cite web , last=Santangelo , first=Nick , date=October 9, 2018 , title=Birds of Prey Reportedly Why Suicide Squad 2 Lost Its Latest Director , url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/10/10/birds-of-prey-reportedly-why-suicide-squad-2-lost-its-latest-director , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010203232/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/10/10/birds-of-prey-reportedly-why-suicide-squad-2-lost-its-latest-director , archive-date=October 10, 2018 , access-date=April 17, 2019 , website=IGN {{Cite web , last1=Kit , first1=Borys , last2=Couch , first2=Aaron , date=July 20, 2018 , title=James Gunn Fired as Director of 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/james-gunn-exits-guardians-galaxy-vol-3-1128786 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721005725/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/james-gunn-exits-guardians-galaxy-vol-3-1128786 , archive-date=July 21, 2018 , access-date=July 20, 2018 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Kit , first=Borys , date=August 8, 2018 , title=James Gunn in Demand for Major Studio Movies After Disney Firing , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/james-gunn-demand-major-studio-movies-disney-firing-1133161 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809064301/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/james-gunn-demand-major-studio-movies-disney-firing-1133161 , archive-date=August 9, 2018 , access-date=August 10, 2018 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Butler , first=Mary Anne , date=October 9, 2018 , title=David Ayer, Dave Bautista Respond to James Gunn Suicide Squad 2 News , url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/10/09/david-ayer-dave-bautista-responds-to-james-gunn-suicide-squad-2-news/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927142634/https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/10/09/david-ayer-dave-bautista-responds-to-james-gunn-suicide-squad-2-news/ , archive-date=September 27, 2019 , access-date=October 9, 2018 , website=Bleeding Cool {{Cite web , last=Fleming , first=Mike Jr. , date=October 9, 2018 , title=James Gunn Boards 'Suicide Squad 2' To Write And Possibly Direct , url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/james-gunn-boards-suicide-squad-2-to-write-and-possibly-direct-1202479455/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009185105/https://deadline.com/2018/10/james-gunn-boards-suicide-squad-2-to-write-and-possibly-direct-1202479455/ , archive-date=October 9, 2018 , access-date=October 9, 2018 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=Kaye , first=Don , date=February 4, 2019 , title=Report: Before The Suicide Squad, James Gunn was offered Superman , url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/report-before-the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-was-offered-superman , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228193358/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/report-before-the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-was-offered-superman , archive-date=February 28, 2019 , access-date=February 28, 2019 , website=Syfy Wire {{Cite web , last=Travis , first=Ben , date=October 29, 2020 , title=The Suicide Squad: James Gunn Reconnected With Marvel One Day After Joining DC Movie , url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-reconnected-marvel-one-day-after-joining-dc/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029182656/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-reconnected-marvel-one-day-after-joining-dc/ , archive-date=October 29, 2020 , access-date=October 29, 2020 , website=Empire (film magazine), Empire {{Cite web , last1=Couch , first1=Aaron , last2=McClintock , first2=Pamela , date=January 30, 2019 , title='The Batman,' 'The Suicide Squad' Set 2021 Release Dates , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/batman-suicide-squad-sequel-set-2021-release-dates-1181432/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131093110/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/batman-suicide-squad-sequel-set-2021-release-dates-1181432 , archive-date=January 31, 2019 , access-date=January 30, 2019 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Kit , first=Borys , date=January 30, 2019 , title=James Gunn in Talks to Direct 'Suicide Squad' Sequel (Exclusive) , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/amp/heat-vision/james-gunn-talks-direct-suicide-squad-sequel-1181436 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131073729/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/james-gunn-talks-direct-suicide-squad-sequel-1181436 , archive-date=January 31, 2019 , access-date=January 16, 2021 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Chichizola , first=Corey , date=June 15, 2020 , title=James Gunn Reveals Hilarious Story Behind The Suicide Squad's Title , url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2548194/james-gunn-reveals-hilarious-story-behind-the-suicide-squads-title , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718230732/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2548194/james-gunn-reveals-hilarious-story-behind-the-suicide-squads-title , archive-date=July 18, 2020 , access-date=January 16, 2021 , website=CinemaBlend {{Cite web , last=Coach , first=Aaron , date=March 10, 2021 , title=How Joe Manganiello's 'Deathstroke' Ideas Seeped Into 'Zack Snyder's Justice League' , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/how-joe-manganiellos-deathstroke-ideas-seeped-into-zack-snyders-justice-league , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311022242/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/how-joe-manganiellos-deathstroke-ideas-seeped-into-zack-snyders-justice-league , archive-date=March 11, 2021 , access-date=March 10, 2021 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Breznican , first=Anthony , author-link=Anthony Breznican , date=March 12, 2021 , title=''Justice League'': The Untold Story of Cyborg and Deathstroke , url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/03/ray-fisher-justice-league-joe-manganiello-batman-deathstroke-cyborg , url-access=limited , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312194615/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/03/ray-fisher-justice-league-joe-manganiello-batman-deathstroke-cyborg , archive-date=March 12, 2021 , access-date=March 14, 2021 , website=Vanity Fair (magazine), Vanity Fair {{Cite web , last=Kroll , first=Justin , date=June 7, 2019 , title=Jaume Collet-Serra Eyed to Direct DC's 'Black Adam' Starring Dwayne Johnson , url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/jaume-collet-serra-black-adam-dwayne-johnson-1203138975/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607193152/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/jaume-collet-serra-black-adam-dwayne-johnson-1203138975/ , archive-date=June 7, 2019 , access-date=June 7, 2019 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{cite web, url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/suicide-squads-karen-fukuhara-pitches-her-katana-spin-off-idea, title=Suicide Squad's Karen Fukuhara Pitches Her Katana Spin-Off Idea, last=Siegal, first=Lucas, publisher=ComicBook.com, date=July 31, 2016, access-date=November 27, 2022 {{Cite web , last=Elderkin , first=Beth , date=August 22, 2020 , title=Your Explosive First Look at James Gunn's The Suicide Squad Is Here , url=https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2020/08/your-explosive-first-look-at-james-gunns-the-suicide-squad-is-here/amp/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824204521/https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2020/08/your-explosive-first-look-at-james-gunns-the-suicide-squad-is-here/amp/ , archive-date=August 24, 2020 , website=Gizmodo {{Cite tweet , number=1300160986662354950 , user=JamesGunn , title=@gutts92 I love Kite Man but he’s been fucked with (and used as a punchline) so much in the comics - sometimes in wonderful ways - I didn’t think it was the freshest way to go. But who knows what the future holds. , author-link=James Gunn , date=August 30, 2020 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814095343/https://twitter.com/jamesgunn/status/1300160986662354950 , archive-date=August 14, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1300162042100211712 , user=JamesGunn , title=@Mind7Lazy Dog Welder was considered of course. But, you know, being an animal lover, I’m not sure it’s something I’d personally want to see expressed cinematically. , author-link=James Gunn , date=August 30, 2020 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029001100/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1300162042100211712 , archive-date=October 29, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1300204384979050496 , user=JamesGunn , title=@freekbass I don't imagine Waller would have any use for him, which is why he's never been in the Suicide Squad comics. , author-link=James Gunn , date=August 30, 2020 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808054317/https://twitter.com/jamesgunn/status/1300204384979050496 , archive-date=August 8, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite web , last=Anderson , first=Jenna , date=September 9, 2020 , title=The Suicide Squad: James Gunn Says He Considered Using Sportsmaster , url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-movie-spoilers-cast-characters-sportsmaster/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911003944/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-movie-spoilers-cast-characters-sportsmaster/ , archive-date=September 11, 2020 , access-date=September 12, 2020 , website=ComicBook.com {{Cite web , last=Travis , first=Ben , date=October 26, 2020 , title=The Suicide Squad: James Gunn On How It Relates To David Ayer's Film, And Why It's Different From Guardians – Exclusive Images , url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-relates-david-ayer-film-different-guardians-exclusive-images/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026133531/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-relates-david-ayer-film-different-guardians-exclusive-images/ , archive-date=October 26, 2020 , access-date=December 4, 2020 , website=Empire (film magazine), Empire {{Cite web , last=Kroll , first=Justin , date=February 27, 2019 , title=Will Smith Exits 'Suicide Squad' Sequel (Exclusive) , url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/will-smith-the-suicide-squad-sequel-exits-1203151442/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228054014/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/will-smith-the-suicide-squad-sequel-exits-1203151442/ , archive-date=February 28, 2019 , access-date=December 4, 2020 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{Cite web , last=Kit , first=Borys , date=March 6, 2019 , title=Idris Elba in Talks to Replace Will Smith in 'Suicide Squad' Sequel (Exclusive) , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/idris-elba-replacing-will-smith-suicide-squad-sequel-1191349 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307210654/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/idris-elba-replacing-will-smith-suicide-squad-sequel-1191349 , archive-date=March 7, 2019 , access-date=April 6, 2019 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Guerrasio , first=Jason , date=March 30, 2019 , title=Jai Courtney says he will be back playing Captain Boomerang in the James Gunn 'Suicide Squad' movie , url=https://www.businessinsider.com.au/jai-courtney-is-captain-boomerang-in-james-gunn-suicide-squad-movie-2019-3 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329212030/https://www.businessinsider.com.au/jai-courtney-is-captain-boomerang-in-james-gunn-suicide-squad-movie-2019-3 , archive-date=March 29, 2019 , access-date=April 6, 2019 , website=Business Insider , publisher=Axel Springer SE {{Cite web , last=Kroll , first=Justin , date=April 5, 2019 , title='The Suicide Squad': Deadshot Removed from Sequel as Idris Elba Moves to New Character (Exclusive) , url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/suicide-squad-sequel-idris-elba-new-character-1203181518/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406054850/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/suicide-squad-sequel-idris-elba-new-character-1203181518/ , archive-date=April 6, 2019 , access-date=April 6, 2019 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{Cite web , last=Sneider , first=Jeff , date=March 7, 2019 , title='Suicide Squad 2' Exclusive: Meet the New Characters James Gunn Will Introduce in Sequel , url=https://collider.com/suicide-squad-2-new-characters/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308081046/https://collider.com/suicide-squad-2-new-characters/ , archive-date=March 8, 2019 , access-date=May 3, 2019 , website=Collider (website), Collider {{Cite web , last=Stevens , first=Colin , date=April 17, 2019 , title=John Cena in Talks to Join Suicide Squad 2, Margot Robbie Returns as Harley Quinn , url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/04/17/john-cena-in-talks-to-join-suicide-squad-sequel-margot-robbie-returns-as-harley-quinn , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417202509/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/04/17/john-cena-in-talks-to-join-suicide-squad-sequel-margot-robbie-returns-as-harley-quinn , archive-date=April 17, 2019 , access-date=May 3, 2019 , website=IGN {{Cite web , last=Hibberd , first=James , date=January 6, 2021 , title=Zack Snyder reveals a first look at his zombie heist Netflix movie Army of the Dead , url=https://ew.com/movies/zack-snyder-army-of-the-dead-netflix/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106190504/https://ew.com/movies/zack-snyder-army-of-the-dead-netflix/ , archive-date=January 6, 2021 , access-date=January 16, 2021 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Galuppo , first=Mia , date=April 17, 2019 , title=John Cena Eyed for Role in 'Suicide Squad' Sequel , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/john-cena-eyed-suicide-squad-sequel-role-1202693 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417201429/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/john-cena-eyed-suicide-squad-sequel-role-1202693 , archive-date=April 17, 2019 , access-date=April 18, 2019 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last1=Couch , first1=Aaron , last2=Kit , first2=Borys , date=April 29, 2019 , title=James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad' Casts 'Ant-Man' Actor David Dastmalchian (Exclusive) , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/suicide-squad-sequel-casts-david-dastmalchian-as-polka-dot-man-1205280 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430040721/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/suicide-squad-sequel-casts-david-dastmalchian-as-polka-dot-man-1205280 , archive-date=April 30, 2019 , access-date=April 29, 2019 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Kroll , first=Justin , date=April 30, 2019 , title=Newcomer Daniela Melchior Eyed for Ratcatcher Role in 'Suicide Squad' Sequel (Exclusive) , url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/daniela-melchior-ratcatcher-suicide-squad-sequel-1203201879/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501015103/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/daniela-melchior-ratcatcher-suicide-squad-sequel-1203201879/ , archive-date=May 1, 2019 , access-date=June 1, 2019 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{Cite web , last=Kit , first=Borys , date=July 10, 2019 , title=Storm Reid Joins Idris Elba in James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad' , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/storm-reid-joins-james-gunns-suicide-squad-1223553 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710231436/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/storm-reid-joins-james-gunns-suicide-squad-1223553 , archive-date=July 10, 2019 , access-date=July 12, 2019 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=D'Alessandro , first=Anthony , date=August 19, 2019 , title='Pitch Perfect 2's Flula Borg Joins James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad' , url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/suicide-squad-james-gunn-flula-borg-joins-cast-1202671315/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819173527/https://deadline.com/2019/08/suicide-squad-james-gunn-flula-borg-joins-cast-1202671315/ , archive-date=August 19, 2019 , access-date=August 19, 2019 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=D'Alessandro , first=Anthony , date=August 24, 2019 , title=Comedian Steve Agee Joining James Gunn's 'Suicide Squad' Gang , url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/suicide-squad-james-gunn-casts-steve-agee-king-shark-1202703447/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824174704/https://deadline.com/2019/08/suicide-squad-james-gunn-casts-steve-agee-king-shark-1202703447/ , archive-date=August 24, 2019 , access-date=August 24, 2019 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=D'Alessandro , first=Anthony , date=August 25, 2019 , title=Nathan Fillion Boarding James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad' , url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/suicide-squad-nathan-fillion-rookie-star-joins-cast-james-gunn-movie-1202702610/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825185527/https://deadline.com/2019/08/suicide-squad-nathan-fillion-rookie-star-joins-cast-james-gunn-movie-1202702610/ , archive-date=August 25, 2019 , access-date=August 25, 2019 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=D'Alessandro , first=Anthony , date=August 27, 2019 , title=Taika Waititi In Talks For Role In James Gunn's 'Suicide Squad' , url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/suicide-squad-taika-waititi-in-talks-to-star-james-gunn-dc-film-cast-1202704115/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827185349/https://deadline.com/2019/08/suicide-squad-taika-waititi-in-talks-to-star-james-gunn-dc-film-cast-1202704115/ , archive-date=August 27, 2019 , access-date=August 27, 2019 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=D'Alessandro , first=Anthony , date=September 3, 2019 , title='Doctor Who's Peter Capaldi Joining James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad'; Is 'SNL's Pete Davidson Next? , url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/suicide-squad-snl-pete-davidson-peter-capaldi-cast-james-gunn-dc-movie-1202709645/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903223605/https://deadline.com/2019/09/suicide-squad-snl-pete-davidson-peter-capaldi-cast-james-gunn-dc-movie-1202709645/ , archive-date=September 3, 2019 , access-date=September 3, 2019 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite magazine , last=Hibberd , first=James , date=September 13, 2019 , title=James Gunn reveals all 24 actors cast for ''The Suicide Squad'' , url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/say-hello-to-the-very-disposable-stars-of-the-suicide-s-1838105121 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918000536/https://ew.com/movies/2019/09/13/suicide-squad-james-gunn-full-cast/ , archive-date=September 18, 2019 , access-date=December 4, 2020 , magazine=Entertainment Weekly {{Cite web , last=Burlingame , first=Russ , date=February 23, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad's James Gunn Reveals Why He Cast John Cena as Peacemaker , url=https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-suicide-squads-james-gunn-reveals-why-he-cast-john-cena-as-p/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223063532/https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-suicide-squads-james-gunn-reveals-why-he-cast-john-cena-as-p/ , archive-date=February 23, 2021 , access-date=February 27, 2021 , website=ComicBook.com {{Cite tweet , number=1375869723653513217 , user=JamesGunn , title="I wrote this role for you in The Suicide Squad. It won't take too much of your time." "Oh yeah?" "Yeah. It's a big, kinda chubby, human-eating shark." Laughs. "Anything for you, brother." @TheSlyStallone #TheSuicideSquad , author-link=James Gunn , date=March 27, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820062415/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1375869723653513217 , archive-date=August 20, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite web , last=Crow , first=David , date=May 11, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad: King Shark Was First New Character James Gunn Added to Roster , url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-king-shark-new-character-james-gunn/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511093451/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-king-shark-new-character-james-gunn/ , archive-date=May 11, 2021 , access-date=May 17, 2021 , website=Den of Geek {{Cite web , last=Foutch , first=Haleigh , date=July 29, 2016 , title='Suicide Squad': David Ayer Reveals Which Fan-Favorite Villian Was Almost on the Squad , url=https://collider.com/suicide-squad-king-shark/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730173053/https://collider.com/suicide-squad-king-shark/ , archive-date=July 30, 2016 , access-date=May 17, 2021 , website=Collider (website), Collider {{Cite web , last=Davis , first=Brandon , date=July 6, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad Producer Rules Out Connections To Previous Film , url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/the-suicide-squad-dceu-ties-sequel-dc-movies/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706175928/https://comicbook.com/dc/news/the-suicide-squad-dceu-ties-sequel-dc-movies/ , archive-date=July 6, 2021 , access-date=July 6, 2021 , website=ComicBook.com {{Cite tweet , number=1411386518103461893 , user=JamesGunn , title=When I first considered taking the job of writing #TheSuicideSquad I kept a file folder of characters I was considering. Here are just a few (of many) that didn't make the cut (for now!) , author-link=James Gunn , date=July 3, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212234716/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1411386518103461893 , archive-date=December 12, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1411386522704637954 , user=JamesGunn , title=Every character in #TheSuicideSquad was chosen for a purpose, great or small, and although I love many of these other characters, they didn't serve the story quite as well. , author-link=James Gunn , date=July 3, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726224943/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1411386522704637954 , archive-date=July 26, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1411386527704223744 , user=JamesGunn , title=I am of course open to using them in the future. And there are many more wonderful @DCComics characters where these came from. See #TheSuicideSquad in theaters next month! , author-link=James Gunn , date=July 3, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728071103/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1411386527704223744 , archive-date=July 28, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1411392426862804992 , user=JamesGunn , title=@actionremakepod @DCComics Yes, I considered him. But I was pretty much only using actual villains (other than Flag), so I ruled him out pretty early. Same reason I didn't use Katana. , author-link=James Gunn , date=July 3, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801070147/https://twitter.com/jamesgunn/status/1411392426862804992 , archive-date=August 1, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1411453845054492672 , user=JamesGunn , title=@CartoonGuy6372 @DCComics I considered Black Manta - @yahya is a great guy and great actor - but his power set wasn't helpful to my story. , author-link=James Gunn , date=July 3, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810030413/https://twitter.com/jamesgunn/status/1411453845054492672 , archive-date=August 10, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite web , last=O'Connell , first=Sean , date=July 15, 2021 , title=Why King Shark Was A 'Very, Very Difficult' Suicide Squad Character To Create, Until Sylvester Stallone Helped , url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2570471/why-king-shark-was-very-difficult-suicide-squad-character-to-create-sylvester-stallone-dc , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716020343/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2570471/why-king-shark-was-very-difficult-suicide-squad-character-to-create-sylvester-stallone-dc , archive-date=July 16, 2021 , access-date=July 15, 2021 , website=CinemaBlend {{Cite web , last=Mancuso , first=Vinnie , date=July 6, 2021 , title='The Suicide Squad' Producer Explains How the Film Connects to 'Suicide Squad': "We Don't Address It" , url=https://collider.com/is-the-suicide-squad-a-reboot-explained/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706160421/https://collider.com/is-the-suicide-squad-a-reboot-explained/ , archive-date=July 6, 2021 , access-date=July 18, 2021 , website=Collider (website), Collider {{Cite web , last=Mancuso , first=Vinnie , date=July 6, 2021 , title=James Gunn and 'The Suicide Cast' Break Down That Hard-R Rating: "Heads Will Absolutely Blow Up" , url=https://collider.com/the-suicide-squad-who-will-die-james-gunn/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706163150/https://collider.com/the-suicide-squad-who-will-die-james-gunn/ , archive-date=July 6, 2021 , access-date=July 18, 2021 , website=Collider (website), Collider {{Cite magazine , last=Collis , first=Clark , date=July 12, 2021 , title=This time it's war: How James Gunn took 'The Suicide Squad' over the top , url=https://ew.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-margot-robbie-idris-elba/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712120731/https://ew.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-margot-robbie-idris-elba/ , archive-date=July 12, 2021 , access-date=July 18, 2021 , magazine=Entertainment Weekly {{Cite web , last=Mullally , first=William , date=July 1, 2021 , title=Redemption Song: James Gunn, Idris Elba and company talk The Suicide Squad , url=https://amp.esquireme.com/amp/article_listing/esquireme/content/53774-redemption-song-james-gunn-idris-elba-and-company-talk-the-suicide-squad , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701200821/https://amp.esquireme.com/amp/article_listing/esquireme/content/53774-redemption-song-james-gunn-idris-elba-and-company-talk-the-suicide-squad , archive-date=July 1, 2021 , access-date=July 18, 2021 , website=Esquire (magazine), Esquire Middle East {{Cite web , last=Itzkoff , first=Dave , date=July 14, 2021 , title=James Gunn Nearly Blew Up His Career. Now He's Back With 'The Suicide Squad' , url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/14/movies/james-gunn-the-suicide-squad.html , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716001937/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/14/movies/james-gunn-the-suicide-squad.html , archive-date=July 16, 2021 , access-date=July 18, 2021 , website=The New York Times {{Cite web , last=Gonzalez , first=Umberto , date=May 9, 2019 , title=Michael Rooker in Talks to Join Cast of 'The Suicide Squad' (Exclusive) , url=https://www.thewrap.com/michael-rooker-king-shark-suicide-squad/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://archive.today/2022.01.17-015607/https://www.thewrap.com/michael-rooker-king-shark-suicide-squad/ , archive-date=January 17, 2022 , access-date=January 17, 2022 , website=TheWrap {{Cite web , last=Travis , first=Ben , date=July 5, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad Is 'An Unedited Version Of James Gunn' – Exclusive Images , url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-unedited-version-james-gunn-exclusive-images/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705113241/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-unedited-version-james-gunn-exclusive-images/ , archive-date=July 5, 2021 , access-date=February 19, 2022 , website=Empire (film magazine), Empire {{Cite web , last=Hunter , first=Rob , date=October 27, 2021 , title=43 Things We Learned from 'The Suicide Squad' Commentary with James Gunn , url=https://filmschoolrejects.com/the-suicide-squad-commentary/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027110723/https://filmschoolrejects.com/the-suicide-squad-commentary/ , archive-date=October 27, 2021 , access-date=February 19, 2022 , website=Film School Rejects {{Cite magazine , last=Sepinwall , first=Alan , date=February 17, 2022 , title='They Let Me Do Whatever I Want': James Gunn on the 'Peacemaker' Finale , url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-features/peacemaker-finale-james-gunn-interview-1301462/ , url-access=limited , url-status=live , archive-url=https://archive.today/2022.02.17-175246/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-features/peacemaker-finale-james-gunn-interview-1301462/ , archive-date=February 17, 2022 , access-date=February 20, 2022 , magazine=Rolling Stone {{Cite web , last=Schmidt , first=J.K. , date=September 20, 2019 , title=James Gunn Reveals The Suicide Squad Begins Filming , url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/09/20/james-gunn-reveals-the-suicide-squad-begins-filming/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921051207/https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/09/20/james-gunn-reveals-the-suicide-squad-begins-filming/ , archive-date=September 21, 2019 , access-date=September 22, 2019 , website=ComicBook.com {{Cite web , last=Davis , first=Brandon , date=September 13, 2019 , title=James Gunn's The Suicide Squad to Begin Filming in Atlanta, Head to Panama , url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/09/13/the-suicide-squad-filming-atlanta-panama-production-release-date/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914002326/https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/09/13/the-suicide-squad-filming-atlanta-panama-production-release-date/ , archive-date=September 14, 2019 , access-date=September 14, 2019 , website=ComicBook.com {{Cite tweet , number=1147924872905011201 , user=DiscussingFilm , title=Cinematographer Henry Braham ('Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2', 'Maleficent: Mistress Of All Evil') has joined the crew for James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad'. (Exclusive) , author=DiscussingFilm , date=July 7, 2019 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811031411/https://twitter.com/discussingfilm/status/1147924872905011201 , archive-date=August 11, 2021 , url-status=live {{Cite magazine , last=Collis , first=Clark , date=February 28, 2020 , title=James Gunn announces shooting has wrapped on The Suicide Squad , url=https://ew.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-wraps-filming/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229023859/https://ew.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-wraps-filming/ , archive-date=February 29, 2020 , access-date=February 28, 2020 , magazine=Entertainment Weekly {{Cite web , last=Barnhardt , first=Adam , date=September 13, 2020 , title=James Gunn Says Kevin Feige Visited The Suicide Squad Set, Reassures Fans There's No Marvel and DC Feud , url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-director-reveals-marvels-kevin-feige-visited-movie-set/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914204407/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-director-reveals-marvels-kevin-feige-visited-movie-set/ , archive-date=September 14, 2020 , access-date=November 2, 2020 , website=ComicBook.com {{Cite tweet , number=1358881527036211202 , user=JamesGunn , title=I pick the 2nd unit directors. I didn’t use a 2nd unit director on Vol 2, & very little on my other films. I never liked using them until working with my old friend Guy Norris on one scene in The Suicide Squad, an experience I enjoyed. , author-link=James Gunn , date=February 8, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209132802/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1358881527036211202 , archive-date=February 9, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite tweet , number=1235349986881212417 , user=JamesGunn , title=CGI’s important. But I used practical effects whenever possible with #TheSuicideSquad - including the biggest, most beautiful sets I’ve ever seen by Beth Mickle, real locations, real costumes by Judianna Makovsky, pyrotechnics by Dan Sudick, prosthetic effects by Legacy & more. , author-link=James Gunn , date=March 4, 2020 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812132827/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1235349986881212417 , archive-date=August 12, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite web , last=Bui , first=Hoai-Tran , date=June 23, 2021 , title='The Suicide Squad' Director James Gunn Went to Extreme Lengths to Keep Character Deaths a Secret on Set , url=https://www.slashfilm.com/the-suicide-squad-deaths-secret-james-gunn/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623181446/https://www.slashfilm.com/the-suicide-squad-deaths-secret-james-gunn/ , archive-date=June 23, 2021 , access-date=June 24, 2021 , website=/Film {{Cite web , last=Edwards , first=Richard , date=July 1, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad: Everything we learnt from the set of 2021's most exciting superhero movie , url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-suicide-squad-set-visit-james-gunn-margot-robbie/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701192207/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-suicide-squad-set-visit-james-gunn-margot-robbie/ , archive-date=July 1, 2021 , access-date=July 2, 2021 , website=Total Film {{Cite web , last=Mancuso , first=Vinnie , date=July 6, 2021 , title=What Is 'The Suicide Squad' Actually About? Jotunheim, Secret Nazi Fortresses, a Military Coup, and More , url=https://collider.com/james-gunn-suicide-squad-plot-setting-explained/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706160515/https://collider.com/james-gunn-suicide-squad-plot-setting-explained/ , archive-date=July 6, 2021 , access-date=July 18, 2021 , website=Collider (website), Collider {{Cite web , date=July 30, 2021 , title="There is no place like Porto", as the Invicta is under the Hollywood's radar, this time starring in 'The Suicide Squad' , url=https://www.porto.pt/en/news/there-is-no-place-like-porto-as-the-invicta-is-under-hollywoods-radar-this-time-starring-in-the-suicide-squad/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802210938/https://www.porto.pt/en/news/there-is-no-place-like-porto-as-the-invicta-is-under-hollywoods-radar-this-time-starring-in-the-suicide-squad , archive-date=August 2, 2021 , access-date=January 22, 2022 , website=Porto.pt {{Cite web , last=Barnhardt , first=Adam , date=March 10, 2019 , title='Suicide Squad 2' Working Title Revealed , url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/suicide-squad-2-working-title-james-gunn-el-dorado/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521125651/https://comicbook.com/dc/news/suicide-squad-2-working-title-james-gunn-el-dorado/ , archive-date=May 21, 2020 , access-date=February 19, 2022 , website=ComicBook.com {{Cite web , last=Fisher , first=Jacob , date=September 15, 2019 , title=Fred Raskin Joins 'The Suicide Squad' (Exclusive) , url=https://discussingfilm.net/2019/09/15/fred-raskin-joins-the-suicide-squad-exclusive/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916080412/https://discussingfilm.net/2019/09/15/fred-raskin-joins-the-suicide-squad-exclusive/ , archive-date=September 16, 2019 , access-date=November 26, 2020 , website=DiscussingFilm {{Cite web , last=Moreau , first=Jordan , date=April 12, 2020 , title='Guardians of the Galaxy 3,' 'The Suicide Squad' Won't Be Delayed, Says James Gunn , url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/guardians-of-the-galaxy-3-suicide-squad-sequel-james-gunn-release-date-1234578230/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412223324/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/guardians-of-the-galaxy-3-suicide-squad-sequel-james-gunn-release-date-1234578230/ , archive-date=April 12, 2020 , access-date=April 12, 2020 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{Cite web , last=Frei , first=Vincent , date=August 22, 2020 , title=The Suicide Squad , url=https://www.artofvfx.com/the-suicide-squad/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920132923/https://www.artofvfx.com/the-suicide-squad/ , archive-date=September 20, 2020 , access-date=November 26, 2020 , website=Art of VFX {{Cite web , last=Anderson , first=Jenna , date=December 6, 2020 , title=The Suicide Squad: James Gunn Says the Movie Is Almost Finished , url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-movie-spoilers-release-date-ccxp-james-gunn/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208004825/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-movie-spoilers-release-date-ccxp-james-gunn/ , archive-date=December 8, 2020 , access-date=December 7, 2020 , website=ComicBook.com {{Cite tweet , number=1357480544884281344 , user=JamesGunn , title=@JustEdLeng #TheSuicideSquad is fully finished and cut and I made every single choice and they never once even slightly interfered. They gave very few notes - they were usually good and minor and I took them if I wanted to and didn't if I didn't want to. Warners was creatively amazing. , author-link=James Gunn , date=February 4, 2021 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519025646/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1357480544884281344 , archive-date=May 19, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite web , last=Warner , first=Sam , date=January 29, 2021 , title=Marvel and DC's James Gunn reveals his favourite ever movie to direct , url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a35361000/suicide-squad-james-gunn-favourite-movie-direct/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129130129/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a35361000/suicide-squad-james-gunn-favourite-movie-direct/ , archive-date=January 29, 2021 , access-date=February 7, 2021 , website=Digital Spy {{Cite web , last=Davids , first=Brian , date=August 5, 2021 , title=James Gunn on 'The Suicide Squad,' "Grounded" 'Peacemaker' and the Day Kevin Feige Came to Set , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/suicide-squad-james-gunn-peacemaker-guardians-3-1234993608/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805234235/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/suicide-squad-james-gunn-peacemaker-guardians-3-1234993608/ , archive-date=August 5, 2021 , access-date=August 7, 2021 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Couch , first=Aaron , date=January 15, 2022 , title='Peacemaker' Star Jennifer Holland's Journey to Harcourt , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/peacemaker-jennifer-holland-james-gunn-harcourt-1235075708/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115172149/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/peacemaker-jennifer-holland-james-gunn-harcourt-1235075708/ , archive-date=January 15, 2022 , access-date=January 16, 2022 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Outlaw , first=Kofi , date=January 14, 2022 , title=Peacemaker: James Gunn Explains Why Opening Shows Deleted The Suicide Squad Scene , url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/peacemaker-james-gunn-explains-suicide-squad-deleted-scene-argus-waller-crawley/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114163148/https://comicbook.com/dc/news/peacemaker-james-gunn-explains-suicide-squad-deleted-scene-argus-waller-crawley/ , archive-date=January 14, 2022 , access-date=February 19, 2022 , website=ComicBook.com {{Cite web , last=Pearson , first=Ben , date=May 7, 2020 , title=Exclusive: 'The Suicide Squad' Score to Be Composed By John Murphy , url=https://www.slashfilm.com/the-suicide-squad-score/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508031255/https://www.slashfilm.com/the-suicide-squad-score/ , archive-date=May 8, 2020 , access-date=May 8, 2020 , website=/Film {{Cite web , last= , date=May 7, 2020 , title=John Murphy to Score James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad' , url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2020/05/07/john-murphy-to-score-james-gunns-the-suicide-squad/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508235253/http://filmmusicreporter.com/2020/05/07/john-murphy-to-score-james-gunns-the-suicide-squad/ , archive-date=May 8, 2020 , access-date=January 17, 2021 , website=Film Music Reporter {{Cite web , last=Carter , first=Josh , date=June 22, 2021 , title=grandson and Jessie Reyez team up on "Rain" for 'The Suicide Squad'–listen , url=https://www.altpress.com/news/jessie-reyez-grandson-rain-the-suicide-squad-soundtrack/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622190136/https://www.altpress.com/news/jessie-reyez-grandson-rain-the-suicide-squad-soundtrack/ , archive-date=June 22, 2021 , access-date=June 27, 2021 , website=Alternative Press (magazine), Alternative Press {{Cite web , last=Malhotra , first=Rahul , date=July 9, 2021 , title=James Gunn Reveals Playlist of Songs He Almost Used for 'The Suicide Squad' , url=https://collider.com/the-suicide-squad-soundtrack-unusued-songs-playlist-james-gunn/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709163231/https://collider.com/the-suicide-squad-soundtrack-unusued-songs-playlist-james-gunn/ , archive-date=July 9, 2021 , access-date=July 11, 2021 , website=Collider (website), Collider {{Cite web , last= , date=August 5, 2021 , title='The Suicide Squad' Score Album Details , url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2021/08/05/the-suicide-squad-score-album-details/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805162549/http://filmmusicreporter.com/2021/08/05/the-suicide-squad-score-album-details/ , archive-date=August 5, 2021 , access-date=January 17, 2022 , website=Film Music Reporter {{Cite web , last= , date=August 5, 2021 , title='The Suicide Squad' Soundtrack Album Details , url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2021/08/05/the-suicide-squad-soundtrack-album-details/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805175244/http://filmmusicreporter.com/2021/08/05/the-suicide-squad-soundtrack-album-details/ , archive-date=August 5, 2021 , access-date=January 17, 2022 , website=Film Music Reporter {{Cite web , last=McLevy , first=Alex , date=March 27, 2021 , title=The trailer for James Gunn's The Suicide Squad is finally here , url=https://film.avclub.com/its-a-brand-new-mission-to-martyrdom-in-the-trailer-for-1846560347 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327040255/https://film.avclub.com/its-a-brand-new-mission-to-martyrdom-in-the-trailer-for-1846560347 , archive-date=March 27, 2021 , access-date=March 27, 2021 , website=The A.V. Club {{Cite web , last=D'Alessandro , first=Anthony , date=March 26, 2021 , title='The Suicide Squad' Trailer: Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena & More In A Ton Of James Gunn Fun , url=https://deadline.com/video/the-suicide-squad-trailer-james-gunn-margot-robbie-john-cena-idris-elba-dc/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327050629/https://deadline.com/video/the-suicide-squad-trailer-james-gunn-margot-robbie-john-cena-idris-elba-dc/ , archive-date=March 27, 2021 , access-date=March 27, 2021 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=Peters , first=Jay , date=March 26, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad's first trailer steals all the color from the Snyder Cut , url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/26/22352484/the-suicide-squad-trailer-james-gunn-hbo-max , url-status=live , archive-url=https://archive.today/2021.03.27-051233/https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/26/22352484/the-suicide-squad-trailer-james-gunn-hbo-max , archive-date=March 27, 2021 , access-date=March 27, 2021 , website=The Verge {{Cite web , last1=Bisset , first1=Jennifer , last2=Keane , first2=Sean , date=March 26, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad trailer is here, and the film looks wonderfully bonkers , url=https://www.cnet.com/news/the-suicide-squad-trailer-is-here-and-the-film-looks-wonderfully-bonkers/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327050812/https://www.cnet.com/news/the-suicide-squad-trailer-is-here-and-the-film-looks-wonderfully-bonkers/ , archive-date=March 27, 2021 , access-date=March 27, 2021 , website=CNET {{Cite web , last=O'Connell , first=Sean , date=March 26, 2021 , title=James Gunn's The Suicide Squad Trailer Has A Crazy Harley Quinn And King Shark Ripping A Man In Half , url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2564948/james-gunns-the-suicide-squad-trailer-has-a-crazy-harley-quinn-and-king-shark-ripping-a-man-in-half , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327051015/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2564948/james-gunns-the-suicide-squad-trailer-has-a-crazy-harley-quinn-and-king-shark-ripping-a-man-in-half , archive-date=March 27, 2021 , access-date=March 27, 2021 , website=CinemaBlend {{Cite web , last=El-Mahmoud , first=Sarah , date=April 3, 2021 , title=James Gunn's The Suicide Squad Has Broken A Huge Trailer Record , url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2565337/james-gunn-the-suicide-squad-broken-huge-trailer-record-red-band-dc , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403015337/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2565337/james-gunn-the-suicide-squad-broken-huge-trailer-record-red-band-dc , archive-date=April 3, 2021 , access-date=April 7, 2021 , website=CinemaBlend {{Cite web , last=Ouellette , first=Jennifer , date=April 2, 2021 , title=Not an April Fool's joke: Theatrical trailer for The Suicide Squad drops , url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/04/not-an-april-fools-joke-theatrical-trailer-for-the-suicide-squad-drops/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402004416/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/04/not-an-april-fools-joke-theatrical-trailer-for-the-suicide-squad-drops/ , archive-date=April 2, 2021 , access-date=April 7, 2021 , website=Ars Technica {{Cite web , last=Ferme , first=Antonio , date=June 22, 2021 , title=New 'Suicide Squad' Trailer Leaks Online Early , url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/suicide-squad-trailer-leak-online-1235001943/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622182527/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/suicide-squad-trailer-leak-online-1235001943/ , archive-date=June 22, 2021 , access-date=June 22, 2021 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{Cite web , last=Blistein , first=Jon , date=July 4, 2021 , title=Grandson and Jessie Reyez Battle Bad Guys in New Video for 'The Suicide Squad' Song 'Rain' , url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/grandson-jessie-reyez-battle-bad-171815325.html , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117044256/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/grandson-jessie-reyez-battle-bad-171815325.html , archive-date=January 17, 2022 , access-date=January 17, 2022 , website=Yahoo! Entertainment {{Cite web , last=Garner , first=Glenn , date=February 24, 2022 , title=John Cena on Peacemaker Season 2, Possibilities of a Crossover with Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam , url=https://people.com/tv/john-cena-on-peacemaker-season-2-possibilities-of-crossover-with-dwayne-johnson-black-adam/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224230157/https://people.com/tv/john-cena-on-peacemaker-season-2-possibilities-of-crossover-with-dwayne-johnson-black-adam/ , archive-date=February 24, 2022 , access-date=February 26, 2022 , website=People (magazine), People {{Cite web , last1=Rubin , first1=Rebecca , last2=Donnelly , first2=Matt , date=December 3, 2020 , title=Warner Bros. to Debut Entire 2021 Film Slate, Including 'Dune' and 'Matrix 4,' Both on HBO Max and In Theaters , url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/warner-bros-hbo-max-theaters-dune-matrix-4-1234845342/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204212423/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/warner-bros-hbo-max-theaters-dune-matrix-4-1234845342/ , archive-date=December 4, 2020 , access-date=December 4, 2020 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{Cite web , last=Alexander , first=Susannah , date=May 11, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad lands earlier release date in the UK , url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a36399795/the-suicide-squad-uk-release-date/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511221449/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a36399795/the-suicide-squad-uk-release-date/ , archive-date=May 11, 2021 , access-date=May 15, 2021 , website=Digital Spy {{Cite web , last=Melendez , first=Marcos , date=July 9, 2021 , title=New 'The Suicide Squad' Poster and Early Preview Screening Date Revealed by James Gunn , url=https://collider.com/the-suicide-squad-poster-early-screening-date-james-gunn/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710010030/https://collider.com/the-suicide-squad-poster-early-screening-date-james-gunn/ , archive-date=July 10, 2021 , access-date=July 11, 2021 , website=Collider (website), Collider {{Cite web , last=Evangelista , first=Chris , date=September 8, 2021 , title=''The Suicide Squad'' Blu-Ray Arrives In October And Features A James Gunn Commentary Track , url=https://www.slashfilm.com/598756/the-suicide-squad-blu-ray-arrives-in-october-and-features-a-james-gunn-commentary-track/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908210018/https://www.slashfilm.com/598756/the-suicide-squad-blu-ray-arrives-in-october-and-features-a-james-gunn-commentary-track/ , archive-date=September 8, 2021 , access-date=January 12, 2022 , website=/Film {{Cite web , last1=Watson , first1=R. T. , last2=Schwartzel , first2=Erich , date=August 24, 2021 , title=Hollywood Movies Flood Piracy Sites Hours After Release , url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/hollywood-movies-flood-piracy-sites-hours-after-release-11629797400 , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824134609/https://www.wsj.com/articles/hollywood-movies-flood-piracy-sites-hours-after-release-11629797400 , archive-date=August 24, 2021 , access-date=January 17, 2022 , website=Wall Street Journal {{Cite web , last=Latchem , first=John , date=November 4, 2021 , title='The Suicide Squad' Easily Tops Disc Sales Charts , url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/the-suicide-squad-easily-tops-disc-sales-charts/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105042303/https://www.mediaplaynews.com/the-suicide-squad-easily-tops-disc-sales-charts/ , archive-date=November 5, 2021 , access-date=November 7, 2021 , website=Media Play News {{Cite web , last=Latchem , first=John , date=November 11, 2021 , title='The Suicide Squad' Tops Disc Sales Charts for Second Week , url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/the-suicide-squad-tops-disc-sales-charts-for-second-week/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112040010/https://www.mediaplaynews.com/the-suicide-squad-tops-disc-sales-charts-for-second-week/ , archive-date=November 12, 2021 , access-date=November 12, 2021 , website=Media Play News {{Cite podcast , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tvs-top-5-james-gunn-on-peacemaker-and-the-differences-between-marvel-and-dc-1235074963/ , title=James Gunn on 'Peacemaker' and the Differences Between Marvel and DC , website=The Hollywood Reporter , last=Goldberg , first=Lesley , last2=Feinberg , first2=Daniel , date=January 14, 2022 , access-date=January 16, 2022 {{Cite web , last=Ortiz , first=Andi , date=January 26, 2022 , title='Zack Snyder's Justice League,' 'Black Widow' Among 2021's Most Pirated Movies , 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url=https://variety.com/2021/film/box-office/box-office-the-suicide-squad-opening-weekend-projection-1235033787/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806060105/https://variety.com/2021/film/box-office/box-office-the-suicide-squad-opening-weekend-projection-1235033787/ , archive-date=August 6, 2021 , access-date=August 4, 2021 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety , quote=That isn't a bad start for pandemic times, but it's a soft debut for a film with a $185 million production budget. {{Cite web , last=D'Alessandro , first=Anthony , date=August 8, 2021 , title='The Suicide Squad' Posts Best R-Rated Opening During Pandemic With $26.5M, But Worst For Franchise: Here's Why , url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/the-suicide-squad-margot-robbie-james-gunn-opening-weekend-box-office-hbo-max-1234810359/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806182734/https://deadline.com/2021/08/the-suicide-squad-margot-robbie-james-gunn-opening-weekend-box-office-hbo-max-1234810359/ , archive-date=August 6, 2021 , access-date=August 8, 2021 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=Rubin , first=Rebecca , date=August 9, 2021 , title=Why 'The Suicide Squad' Stumbled at the Box Office , url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/suicide-squad-box-office-delta-variant-covid-1235037074/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809141251/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/suicide-squad-box-office-delta-variant-covid-1235037074/ , archive-date=August 9, 2021 , access-date=August 9, 2021 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{Cite web , last=Mendelson , first=Scott , date=August 8, 2021 , title=10 Reasons Why 'The Suicide Squad' Is A Box Office Disaster , url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2021/08/08/8-reasons-why-dc-films-suicide-squad-2-starring-idris-elba-and-margot-robbie-was-a-box-office-disaster/?sh=4040b6f375e2 , url-access=limited , url-status=live , archive-url=https://archive.today/2022.01.17-045109/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2021/08/08/8-reasons-why-dc-films-suicide-squad-2-starring-idris-elba-and-margot-robbie-was-a-box-office-disaster/?sh=6e50140f75e2 , archive-date=January 17, 2022 , access-date=August 9, 2021 , website=Forbes {{Cite web , last=Pallotta , first=Frank , date=August 8, 2021 , title='The Suicide Squad' underperformed at the box office. 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App Bows Personalized Rankings , url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/squid-game-black-widow-top-2021-show-and-film-on-whip-medias-tv-time-charts-app-bows-personalized-rankings/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228014458/https://www.mediaplaynews.com/squid-game-black-widow-top-2021-show-and-film-on-whip-medias-tv-time-charts-app-bows-personalized-rankings/ , archive-date=December 28, 2021 , access-date=January 6, 2022 , website=Media Play News {{Cite web , last=D'Alessandro , first=Anthony , date=April 25, 2022 , title=''The Batman'' First Week Viewership On HBO Max Bigger Than Streamer's Theatrical Day & Date Titles – CinemaCon , url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/the-batman-hbo-max-viewership-1235009362/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425200811/https://deadline.com/2022/04/the-batman-hbo-max-viewership-1235009362/ , archive-date=April 25, 2022 , access-date=April 25, 2022 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=White , first=Peter , date=September 23, 2020 , title='The Suicide Squad' TV Spinoff 'Peacemaker' Starring John Cena From James Gunn Ordered By HBO Max , url=https://deadline.com/2020/09/peacemaker-james-gunn-john-cena-dc-hbo-max-tv-1234582582/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923172249/https://deadline.com/2020/09/peacemaker-james-gunn-john-cena-dc-hbo-max-tv-1234582582/ , archive-date=September 23, 2020 , access-date=September 23, 2020 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite tweet , number=1308835541786517507 , user=JamesGunn , title=I'm doing #Peacemaker in the time always allotted between #TheSuicideSquad & #GotGVol3. Normally I would have been taking more of a break in this space but it's Covid, I'm stuck at home, so I wrote a TV series. , author-link=James Gunn , date=September 23, 2020 , access-date=December 21, 2021 , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823033437/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1308835541786517507 , archive-date=August 23, 2021 , url-status=live , last=Gunn , first=James {{Cite web , last=D'Alessandro , first=Anthony , date=October 29, 2020 , title='The Suicide Squad' HBO Max Spinoff Series 'Peacemaker' Adds Steve Agee , url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/the-suicide-squad-hbo-max-spinoff-series-peacemaker-adds-steve-agee-1234606195/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030003814/https://deadline.com/2020/10/the-suicide-squad-hbo-max-spinoff-series-peacemaker-adds-steve-agee-1234606195/ , archive-date=October 30, 2020 , access-date=October 29, 2020 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=D'Alessandro , first=Anthony , date=November 11, 2020 , title='Peacemaker': Robert Patrick, Jennifer Holland & Chris Conrad Also Join HBO Max 'Suicide Squad' Spinoff Series , url=https://deadline.com/2020/11/peacemaker-robert-patrick-jennifer-holland-chris-conrad-also-join-hbo-max-suicide-squad-spinoff-series-1234612928/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111191832/https://deadline.com/2020/11/peacemaker-robert-patrick-jennifer-holland-chris-conrad-also-join-hbo-max-suicide-squad-spinoff-series-1234612928/ , archive-date=November 11, 2020 , access-date=November 11, 2020 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=Goldberg , first=Lesley , date=February 10, 2021 , title=HBO and HBO Max Chief Details 'Game of Thrones' Expansion Plans , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/hbo-and-hbo-max-chief-details-game-of-thrones-expansion-plans , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211152133/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/hbo-and-hbo-max-chief-details-game-of-thrones-expansion-plans , archive-date=February 11, 2021 , access-date=February 12, 2021 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Perine , first=Aaron , date=January 31, 2021 , title=The Suicide Squad Director James Gunn Has More Spinoff Ideas Beyond Peacemaker , url=https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-peacemaker-more-spinoff-ideas/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131063719/https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-peacemaker-more-spinoff-ideas/ , archive-date=January 31, 2021 , access-date=February 7, 2021 , website=ComicBook.com {{Cite web , last=Couch , first=Aaron , date=August 4, 2021 , title=Margot Robbie and 'The Suicide Squad' Team Reflect on Script "No One Could Pull" Off But James Gunn , url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/suicide-squad-margot-robbie-james-gunn-1234992395/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804183727/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/suicide-squad-margot-robbie-james-gunn-1234992395/ , archive-date=August 4, 2021 , access-date=August 7, 2021 , website=The Hollywood Reporter {{Cite web , last=Silverio , first=Ben F. , date=January 13, 2022 , title=Why That Big Cameo In Peacemaker Episode 1 Is So Important , url=https://www.slashfilm.com/729430/why-that-big-cameo-in-peacemaker-episode-1-is-so-important/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111031843/https://www.slashfilm.com/569581/movie-jokers-ranked/ , archive-date=January 11, 2022 , access-date=January 14, 2022 , website=/Film {{Cite web , last=Oddo , first=Marco Vito , date=January 10, 2022 , title=James Gunn Reveals He's Involved in Another DC TV Project , url=https://collider.com/james-gunn-new-dc-tv-show-after-peacemaker-comments/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110220928/https://collider.com/james-gunn-new-dc-tv-show-after-peacemaker-comments/ , archive-date=January 10, 2022 , access-date=January 16, 2022 , website=Collider (website), Collider {{Cite web , last=Ankers , first=Adele , date=January 11, 2022 , title=The Suicide Squad Producer Sees 'Opportunity' to Give More Characters Solo TV Spin-Offs , url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-suicide-squad-characters-solo-tv-spin-off-opportunities , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111172544/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-suicide-squad-characters-solo-tv-spin-off-opportunities , archive-date=January 11, 2022 , access-date=January 16, 2022 , website=IGN {{Cite web , last1=D'Alessandro , first1=Anthony , last2=Patten , first2=Dominic , date=January 27, 2022 , title=James Gunn Eyeing Second 'Suicide Squad' Spinoff Series For HBO Max, Says 'Peacemaker' Has "Really Good Chance" For Season 2 , url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/james-gunn-new-suicide-squad-sequel-tv-series-peacemaker-renewal-chances-1234921004/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127213226/https://deadline.com/2022/01/james-gunn-new-suicide-squad-sequel-tv-series-peacemaker-renewal-chances-1234921004/ , archive-date=January 27, 2022 , access-date=January 28, 2022 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=D'Alessandro , first=Anthony , date=February 16, 2022 , title='Peacemaker' Renewed For Season 2 By HBO Max , url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/peacemaker-season-2-hbo-max-james-gunn-john-cena-1234935052/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216190149/https://deadline.com/2022/02/peacemaker-season-2-hbo-max-james-gunn-john-cena-1234935052/ , archive-date=February 16, 2022 , access-date=February 16, 2022 , website=Deadline Hollywood {{Cite web , last=Vary , first=Adam B. , date=February 17, 2022 , title='Peacemaker' Season Finale: James Gunn on Pulling Off [Spoilers'] Shocking Cameo , url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/peacemaker-season-1-finale-justice-league-james-gunn-1235184463/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217203606/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/peacemaker-season-1-finale-justice-league-james-gunn-1235184463/ , archive-date=February 17, 2022 , access-date=February 17, 2022 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{Cite web , last=Otterson , first=Joe , date=May 3, 2022 , title=Viola Davis in Talks to Star as Amanda Waller in 'Peacemaker' Spinoff Series at HBO Max , url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/viola-davis-amanda-waller-series-hbo-max-peacemaker-suicide-squad-1235257198/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503200127/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/viola-davis-amanda-waller-series-hbo-max-peacemaker-suicide-squad-1235257198/ , archive-date=May 3, 2022 , access-date=May 4, 2022 , website=Variety (magazine), Variety {{Cite web , last=Perez , first=Rodrigo , date=June 6, 2022 , title=James Gunn Says He's Involved In Multiple DC Projects Plus A Spinoff Show That "Blends" Characters From 'Peacemaker' , url=https://theplaylist.net/james-gunn-dc-projects-peacemaker-warner-bros-discovery-20220606/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606181214/https://theplaylist.net/james-gunn-dc-projects-peacemaker-warner-bros-discovery-20220606/ , archive-date=June 6, 2022 , access-date=June 26, 2022 , website=The Playlist {{Cite web , last=Perry , first=Spencer , date=November 10, 2022 , title=Sylvester Stallone Confirms King Shark Return (Exclusive) , url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/suicide-squad-sylvester-stallone-king-shark-return/ , url-status=live , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124074313/https://comicbook.com/dc/news/suicide-squad-sylvester-stallone-king-shark-return/ , archive-date=November 24, 2022 , access-date=December 7, 2022 , website=ComicBook.com


External links

* {{Official website * {{IMDb title {{Suicide Squad {{DC Extended Universe {{DC Comics films {{James Gunn {{Portal bar, Film, United States, Speculative fiction, Comics {{DEFAULTSORT:Suicide Squad, The 2020s English-language films 2020s monster movies 2020s superhero comedy films 2020s vigilante films 2021 action comedy films 2021 black comedy films 2021 science fiction action films American action comedy films American black comedy films American monster movies American science fiction action films American science fiction comedy films American sequel films American superhero films American vigilante films Atlas Entertainment films DC Extended Universe films Films about coups d'état Films about extraterrestrial life Films about Latin American military dictatorships Films about mice and rats Films based on works by Paul Dini Films directed by James Gunn Films impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic Films scored by John Murphy (composer) Films set in 2021 Films set in a fictional country Films set in South America Films set on fictional islands Films shot at Pinewood Atlanta Studios Films shot in Atlanta Films shot in Panama Films using motion capture Films with screenplays by James Gunn Giant monster films HBO Max films IMAX films Kaiju films American splatter films Suicide Squad (film series) Superhero black comedy films Supervillain films Warner Bros. films 2020s American films