James Gunn Answers Whether The Suicide Squad is a Reboot

JB Augustine |

May 24, 2019

Though it’s been clarified before, multiple times, some still question whether or not The Suicide Squad, written and directed by James Gunn, is actually a reboot.

“Sequel” is a word still being thrown about and that’s exactly what Entertainment Tonight did when interviewing Gunn and Elizabeth Banks on the eve of Brightburn’s release.

ET asked him if The Suicide Squad was a reboot, a sequel, or what. In his answer, Gunn blithely picked apart the idea of labels, punctuating his comments with the classic retort, “It is what it is.”

“You know, these terms are all so narrow. There are so many terms. It is what it is. You’ll see in two years when it comes out.”

Here is the clip:

The #SuicideSquad sequel… “is what it is,” according to @JamesGunn. 😫 pic.twitter.com/5voXhcE2vp

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) May 22, 2019

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Producer Peter Safran called it a “total reboot” back in March and made it clear he and Warner Bros. “don’t call it Suicide Squad 2” because it isn’t a sequel. He added the script is what fans can hope for from James Gunn and they are confident they can deliver.

We all hope that they do and with the hot streak WB Pictures is on following Aquaman and Shazam!, one can soundly predict they’ll have another hit on their hands.

But, that said, based on appearances they are only hitting reset to a certain point. While they are cleansing themselves and the Extended Universe of Snyder’s tonalities and ideas, they are also sticking with what’s familiar.

Most of the original cast (Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis) is returning to play the same roles as before. If established continuity is addressed then the question is begged: how much of this is a reboot and why isn’t it a sequel? It looks like one.

We have a good idea about the cast, but plot details are scarce so what could get held over from David Ayer’s film is a mystery. An alleged audition sample leads us to believe the villain will be The General and he is in search of a ruthless beast residing in a South American prison.

Another potential spoiler derives from James Gunn’s admission he is a huge Suicide Squad fan and owns the entire run by John Ostrander, which means Gunn could take his cues from there.

If so, as the director said, we’ll all find out August 6, 2021, when The Suicide Squad brings its mission to theaters.