Director James Gunn's DC heroes and villains linked to the project (so far).
Produced for $175 million, Suicide Squad earned over $746 million at the box office, making it a financial success for Warner Bros. However, the film was panned by critics and largely criticized by franchise fans, leaving uncertainty about the series future. After ing through multiple hands, James Gunn, who's known for guiding MCU's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
The Suicide Squad is scheduled for an August 6, 2021 release. While there are numerous rumors circulating about the storyline, various actors have been confirmed for the movie. Here are the characters fans can expect to see in The Suicide Squad.
Harley Quinn - Margot Robbie
Portrayed by Margot Robbie, Birds of Prey.
In Suicide Squad, Robbie delivers a colorful performance as Harley Quinn, providing the film with many of its best moments. The character’s motivations stem from her relationship with Jared Leto’s Joker, who ultimately rescues Harley Quinn from a penitentiary during the film's conclusion. Birds of Prey will reportedly explore Harley Quinn’s separation from the Joker and will set up the character’s role for The Suicide Squad (and future franchise installments).
Rick Flag - Joel Kinnaman
Despite not being a fan favorite character from Suicide Squad, military figure Rick Flag has officially been confirmed for Gunn's follow-up. After months of speculation, Joel Kinnaman confirmed his casting, via Instagram, on May 29.
At this point, it’s unclear how Rick Flag will be incorporated, and how much screen time he’ll have, but the character will most likely be leading another mission. Suicide Squad explores the character’s relationship with Cara Delevingne as Dr. June Moone aka Enchantress, so for The Suicide Squad, Kinnaman's character arc will likely include strategic conflict with Amanda Waller and his unresolved feelings for the still-alive June.
Bronze Tiger - Idris Elba (Rumored)
Captain Boomerang - Jai Courtney
In late March 2019, Australian actor Jai Courtney confirmed that he’ll return for The Suicide Squad. In the original film, he portrays George "Digger" Harkness aka Captain Boomerang. Like Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang is a fan favorite, as he’s a devilish character with a sense of humor.
It’s unclear what role Captain Boomerang will play in The Suicide Squad. It’s been speculated that original characters may be killed off in order to focus on an entirely new storyline. But we do know that Courtney will indeed be part of film, most likely for comic relief.
Peacemaker - John Cena (Rumored)
Reports surfaced in April 2019 that John Cena was in talks to co-star in The Suicide Squad. That same day, Variety’s Justin Kroll tweeted that Cena would most likely portray Peacemaker, a character that was ed on by Dave Bautista for scheduling reasons.
As an actor, Cena brings a unique amount of star power to The Suicide Squad. Like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, he successfully transitioned from professional wrestling into feature films. Thus far, however, Cena has mostly excelled in mainstream comedies. So, the Peacemaker role makes sense, as the character (known as Christopher Smith) promotes peace but is willing to defend peace at any cost. The character made his franchise debut in the 1966 comic Fightin' 5 #40.
Amanda Waller - Viola Davis
Viola Davis was confirmed to reprise the role of Amanda Waller in The Suicide Squad in April 2019. In the original film, Davis delivers a memorable performance as the creator of Task Force X, presenting a powerful black female leader with a stoic behavior that perfectly complements the comedic relief.
In The Suicide Squad, Amanda Waller will most likely lead a new team with Rick Flag at her side. Davis has won an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony award, and she always sets a high bar with her performances. Fans can expect the character to play a major role in The Suicide Squad, unless she’s somehow part of an opening act twist that would eliminate main characters that were featured in the original film.
Polka-Dot Man - David Dastmalchian
David Dastmalchian will portray a new character in The Suicide Squad. In April 2019, the American actor was confirmed to co-star as Polka-Dot Man, one of Batman’s weirder enemies. The character’s real name is Abner Krill, and he made his franchise debut in 1962. As Polka-Dot Man, Dastmalchian will most likely have a colorful costume, one full of spots that turn into buzzsaws.
Dastmalchian will provide extra comic relief in The Suicide Squad, as well as some superhero experience. In recent years, he’s portrayed Kurt in both The Dark Knight.
Ratcatcher - Daniela Melchior
Portugese actress Daniela Melchior will portray the supervillain Ratcatcher in The Suicide Squad. In the comics, the character is a man named Otis Flannegan, so Melchior’s casting allows for a fresh DCEU spin. If her powers are anything like the comics, Melchior will have the powers to lead an army of rats - and will most likely end up one of the film’s breakout stars.
To date, Melchior has most appeared in television series, so The Suicide Squad represents a huge opportunity for the up-and-coming actress. With new male characters set to provide comic relief, Ratcatcher will balance out the gender dynamics. In the comics, the character first appeared in 1988’s Detective Comics #585.
King Shark (Rumored)
As of now, an actor hasn’t been confirmed for this supervillain role, though it’s been rumored that Michael Rooker has been targeted. King Shark first appeared in the 1994 comic Superboy Vol. 3, #9, and has appeared as a live-action character in The CW’s The Flash. For the original Suicide Squad film, King Shark was intended to be a main character but was ultimately replaced by Killer Croc.
In May 2019, Rooker confirmed that he hadn’t yet been cast. If Gunn does hire him, it would mark another collaboration between the close associates. Rooker appeared in Gunn’s 2006 feature debut Slither and 2010 film Super. In the Guardians of the Galaxy films, Rooker memorably portrayed Yondu Udonta. As an accomplished character actor, Rooker would complement younger performers like the aforementioned Melchior.
Characters Not Returning For The Suicide Squad
Deadshot: Will Smith won’t be back as Floyd Lawton his Suicide Squad character, although now Idris Elba has been confirmed for a new character, Deadshot could still appear in the DCEU down the line.
Enchantress: Suicide Squad’s conclusion saw Rick Flag crushing this character’s heart, which kills her and brings back the Colonel's beloved June Moore (Cara Delevingne).
Slipknot: In Suicide Squad, Adam Beach's character was decapitated by Rick Flag via a nano-bomb.
El Diablo survived, the character hasn't been confirmed for Gunn's film.
Characters Unconfirmed For The Suicide Squad
The Joker: Jared Leto hasn’t been confirmed for The Suicide Sqaud, though it’s been reported that he may have a cameo in Birds of Prey.
Killer Croc: This metahuman survived Suicide Squad and is theoretically still locked up. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje hasn’t yet been confirmed to reprise the character in The Suicide Squad.
Katana: Portrayed by Karen Fukuhara, Rick Flag’s bodyguard hasn’t been confirmed for The Suicide Squad.
Griggs: Comic actor Ike Barhinholz hasn’t been linked to The Suicide Squad.
