I May Never Get Over The Fact That One Of The DCEU’s Lowest-Rated Movies Is Also One Of Its Most Star-Studded

By Ross Tanenbaum

Published Apr 27, 2025

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The ending with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

Before the DC universe is Suicide Squad, which arguably had the most star-studded cast. It's a shame that the film didn't perform better with critics, but there are many reasons why critics rejected it outside of the cast.

Suicide Squad Is One Of The DCEU's Lowest-Rated Movies Despite Having An Impressive Cast Of Stars

Suicide Squad was one of the most exciting projects coming from the DCEU. It boasted a fantastic cast with Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Viola Davis, and the trailers teased a dark film with a comedic edge. Many were also excited to see Jared Leto's DCEU debut as Joker alongside Robbie's Harley Quinn. Harley and Joker's dynamic had never been shown in a live-action film, and it was one of the film's most promising aspects.

While Smith and Robbie's performances weren't necessarily reasons why most critics didn't like the film, the cast couldn't save it from getting torn to bits by critics and audiences.

However, the film landed with a thud when it premiered in 2016. It received 26% from critics, the lowest critic score for a DCEU film. Audiences weren't kind to it either, as it had a 58% score from audiences, a surprisingly low score for any superhero film. While Smith and Robbie's performances weren't necessarily reasons why most critics didn't like the film, the cast couldn't save it from getting torn to bits by critics and audiences. It proved a cast can't make up for a lackluster story or confusing direction, especially when the studio interferes with it.

Why Suicide Squad's Cast Didn't Prevent The Movie From Getting A Divisive Reputation

Harley Quinn armed with her bat in Suicide Squad

Suicide Squad is largely a victim of studio interference. In a 2016 report from David Ayer's darker story. The studio also had many reshoots to try and change the tone, leading to a version that felt like it was conflicting with itself. However, it shouldn't all be blamed on studio interference as the film still has many other problems.

Will Smith's Deadshot and Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn from the Suicide Squad movies, both looking sad

I’m So Fascinated About What The Original Plan For The Unused Suicide Squad Sequel Would Have Been Like After The Director’s Newest Comments

Suicide Squad's sequel could have been very different from the James Gunn DC movie, as the director of the planned sequel has revealed its story.

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Enchantress was a rather weak villain, and it wasn't entirely interesting to see the Suicide Squad fight her faceless goons in the dark. The story itself has plenty of plot holes, including the team that Amanda Waller puts together, and many characters are either given not enough backstory or rushed exposition. James Gunn proved how to properly make a Suicide Squad film in 2021, and I'm glad he finally has the reins for the DC universe.