Report: Idris Elba to Replace Will Smith as Deadshot in James Gunn’s Suicide Squad
Following an earlier report that said Will Smith wouldn’t return for James Gunn’s Suicide Squad, we’ve learned he might very well get replaced by a huge name. Idris Elba is in line to take over as Deadshot in the sequel/semi-reboot (or semi-sequel/reboot), titled The Suicide Squad, heading for production in September.
Variety reported Wednesday the English actor, a go-to for comic-book and action roles, met with Gunn last week. The meeting is said to have gone well and talks are moving ahead.
Elba is one of a couple of actors to have worked on Marvel and DC films, e.g., Zachary Levi and Ryan Reynolds among others. Aside from Heimdall, he played Moreau in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance and the villain in The Losers (2010), an adaptation of the Vertigo Comics book by Andy Diggle. Chris Evans tagged along for that one.
Heimdall meeting his end at the hands of Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War frees up Elba to pursue any part he wishes, though he is busy as it is. The cinematic adaptation of the musical Cats is one project he is attached to, along with an aquatic sci-fi action film written by Max Landis. All that, and there are still rumors he might be the next James Bond.
Will Smith stepped away from Floyd Lawton because of scheduling, but there are thought to be no hard feelings between him and Warner Bros. or Gunn.
With him gone, the common assumption was (writer and most likely director) Gunn was working from a clean slate and would introduce a new set of characters to comprise Amanda Waller’s Task Force X — minus Deadshot and Harley Quinn (who might be too busy relishing her “Emancipation”).
Variety, however, expressed the belief Margot Robbie is going to join the fun once again though that won’t leave her much room to unwind after Birds of Prey. Word of Viola Davis reprising the role of Waller is still up in the air.
The Suicide Squad is looking at an August 6, 2021, release which would mark five years since the David Ayer movie hit theaters.
How do you feel? Is Elba the right fit or not? Does he make you more excited for The Suicide Squad?
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