It looks like another major comic book property is ready to snatch up James Gunn after he was let go from the third Guardians of the Galaxy by Marvel. It’s being reported that Gunn is being courted by Warner Bros. to write and direct Suicide Squad 2.
Suicide Squad 2 is one of several projects the DCEU has in the works, but no director has been confirmed for the project as of yet. Gavin O’Connor was reported to be overseeing the film in a previous report, but it looks like Warner Bros. isn’t quite final on that decision as of yet. At first, it was thought that Suicide Squad director David Ayer would oversee the film, but he jumped over to work on Gotham City Sirens instead.
The script for the sequel is being finalized now that its first draft is finished. According to Todd Stashwick, a co-writer on Suicide Squad 2, the script came together nicely with David Bar Katz and O’Connor. However, if Gunn is brought in, it seems likely the director-screenwriter would overhaul the script to fit his sensibilities. Writing duties appear to be a done deal, with numerous sources saying he has closed a deal to write and that directing duties are also being discussed.
The director was publicly removed from directing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 earlier this year after a series of controversial tweets from Gunn resurfaced. The sudden firing led fans to rally behind Gunn, asking for Disney and Marvel Studios to reconsider their position. The cast of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 even released a letter asking for the decision to be evaluated again and shared it with fans on social media. Disney & Marvel seemed unmoved by all of the support and ultimately did not rehire Gunn.
If the deal is pulled off, it would be a huge get for DC and Warner Bros., who are looking to improve some of the critical responses for their DCEU films. Gunn’s style seems perfect for Suicide Squad and while the deal is not yet done, talks are said to be moving in the right direction.
