‘The Suicide Squad’s’ Idris Elba Has “No Idea What They Want To Do With” Bloodsport In the DCU

JB Augustine |

Mar 22, 2023

Bloodsport is just chillin — Idris Elba as Bloodsport hearing the mission in The Suicide Squad (2021)

James Gunn, having taken over DC, his plans are taking shape. We know his plans for Superman, Batman, and even the Creature Commandos, but beyond the announced Waller series and the practically guaranteed second season of Peacemaker, it’s unclear how many other elements of The Suicide Squad the writer-director will revisit. At the top of that list is Bloodsport.

Played by Idris Elba, he was the main character of the action comedy and survived to the end to be reunited with his daughter (Storm Reid). However, we don’t know what is next for the character in the DCU, and neither does Elba. He told the Inside Total Film podcast via GamesRadar he has no idea what Gunn wants to do with him.

The actor loves the character and discussed the potential of a The Suicide Squad sequel. “I love Bloodsport. I have no idea what they want to do with it. I imagine that the next time we see Bloodsport would probably be in a [Suicide Squad] movie,” Elba said. “I don’t think they have any plans to give him his own franchise but there’s a possibility.”

Bloodsport (Idris Elba) is confronted by Starro in The Suicide Squad (2021), Warner Bros. Pictures

As we’ve noted, there’s also a possibility Bloodsport could be seen in an episode or two of Waller or Peacemaker. Gunn’s first chapter in his DCU – Gods and Monsters – has five announced movies and shows each, so far. Bloodsport could enter the picture in a number of ways beyond anything Suicide Squad-centric. Appearances alongside The Authority or the Creature Commandos, say, might happen.

There’s also Superman: Legacy which doesn’t have a villain yet. Bloodsport uses Kryptonite bullets for a reason and his vendetta against the Man of Steel runs very melodramatic and personal. However, he stands as reformed after the events of The Suicide Squad so a team-up sounds more tenable. Or he could fly solo for his own adventure, a la 007.

John Luther (Idris Elba) hunts down serial killer David Robey (Andy Serkis) in Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023), Netflix

Elba compared a non-DC role to James Bond, coincidentally, that of his celebrated tough-talking lawman John Luther, but the parallels to Bloodsport are palpable. “It’s not a competition, but I reference Bond as a template for the type of film we’re going for. John is a leading character in a film that he’s the hero of. That’s the comparison I’m making,” he explained regarding Luther’s Netflix feature.

NEXT: Idris Elba Rejects Identity Politics, Reveals He No Longer Refers To Himself As A Specifically Black Actor: “I Don’t Want To Be The First Black, I’m The First Idris”