In a case of losing one asset and maybe gaining an even better one, Idris Elba is in talks to replace Will Smith as Deadshot in the Suicide Squad sequel. The move comes after the exit of Smith, who departed the role due to scheduling conflicts.
Filmmaker James Gunn is putting together the sequel and it’s being reported that Elba met with Gunn on Friday and that the meeting went very well. They went so well in fact that talks began with the studio in an earnest bid to land the actor. Word has it that Elba was the first and only choice for Gunn and the studio to take on the role.
James Gunn is taking on writing duties for the Suicide Squad sequel and while it hasn’t been officially announced, Gunn is also expected to take a seat in the director’s chair as well. The studio is said to be very high on Gunn’s screenplay and that the project is moving full steam ahead with the casting process after he quickly turned out several drafts of the script. Gunn is reportedly using mostly DC characters who did not appear in the 2016 film directed by David Ayer, although several are expected to return.
The Suicide Squad sequel is dated for August 6, 2021.
