K.T Simpson
Marvel’s loss is DC’s gain, with word that James Gunn could potentially direct the next installment in the “Suicide Squad” franchise.
Since he lost his position at Disney when decade-old tweets resurfaced, Gunn was also fired from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise. Warner Bros have tapped him to write “Suicide Squad 2”, and potentially direct.
Gavin O’Conner was recently set to direct, but is now focused on Ben Affleck’s “Torrance”, also at Warner Bros.
Love it or hate it, “Suicide Squad” (which many claim was simply a rip-off of Gunn’s “Guardians”) has proven to be a successful franchise, already spawning the spinoff “Birds of Prey” – with Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as The Huntress and Jurnee Smolett-Bell as Black Canary. Cathy Yan will direct.
Not surprisingly, since Gunn likely wasn’t keen on merely zapping someone’s leftovers, the new “Suicide Squad” won’t be a sequel but a reboot.
Studio sources say that Gunn is not developing a “sequel” but a brand-new take on the DC property, which features DC villains Deadshot, Harley Quinn, the Joker, Captain Boomerang and Killer Croc, who are forced into the service of the government in exchange for lighter sentences. It is unclear whether or not that means recasting, in part or wholly, the actors.
Gunn’s anointment has the internet in an excited flurry – with even co-star Dave Bautista (who has publicly denounced Disney’s decision to toss the filmmaker from the “Guardians” threequel) expressing his excitement and ‘interest’ in “Suicide Squad 2”. It’s likely there will be a spot for the wrestler cum actor, if this is indeed a restart flick.
Where do I sign up! James Gunn Boards ‘Suicide Squad 2’ To Write And Possibly Direct – Deadline https://t.co/OwdDbAm1Ks
— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) October 9, 2018
“Suicide Squad” director David Ayer was happy with the news too, tweeting “I think it’s an incredibly brave and smart move by the studio. James is the right man for the job!”
The new director of “Guardians of the Galaxy 3” is yet to be decided on- but whoever helms it has definitely got their work cut out for them.
