Another day, another chunk of news from the world of comic-books, specifically from Warner Bros and DC Comics and their ever-changing plans for their expanded cinematic universe. Today, though, we have some concrete news about one of their upcoming films.
Suicide Squad 2 is officially a-go! In the last few weeks, word from the studios was that the sequel to the much-maligned super-baddies team-up from last summer was being fast-tracked into production and it seems that a director (and writer) have been found after a long search. Initially, it was Jaume Collet-Serra, director of The Shallows, who was set to take the reigns for the film but today Variety has reported that Gavin O’Connor is now on board to write and direct.
The helmer of such films as Warrior and Jane Got A Gun also made last year’s The Accountant, which ironically starred Ben Affleck (Batman) and J.K. Simmons (Commissioner Gordon), which was a Warner Bros film so it seems a natural fit given his recent association. Indeed, The Accountant 2 is already in pre-production with O’Connor and Affleck set to return.
The only possible downside is both the availability of its cast (namely Will Smith who is busy with Aladdin and Ang Lee’s Gemini one after another) and the future of its characters with The Joker, in particular, in a little bit of disarray – so much so that even star Jared Leto isn’t sure what’s going on.
Speaking to ODE recently, the actor said:
“I’m a little confused too… Yeah, there are a couple of things happening in the DC world.”
“I love the Joker. He’s a great character and really fun character to play. But it’s a big universe and when you play the Joker, there’s no ownership there.”
“You have the honor of holding the baton for a little while and then passing it off… There are other films that are in development and I’m excited to see what comes from them.”
Suicide Squad 2 could go into production next year.
