As if on cue, Warner Brothers has lined up another potential redemption arc in the form of a new Suicide Squad helmed by James Gunn of Guardians of the Galaxy fame.
Despite the success of “The Snyder Cut” of the Justice League, Warner Brothers are not committing to follow up on its success , which may come as a surprise to many. As a result, the new Suicide Squad outing is going to be under considerable scrutiny, as it will be the most immediate answer to the burning question: after constantly falling short against perennial rivals the MCU, has the DCEU gotten its act together at long last?
Idris doing his best “what’s he doing here” face. Screencap: Warner Bros
James Gunn’s quirks are all over the newly released Red Band trailer – he wrote the screenplay as well – so you know from the outset if this is something that you love or hate. While not exactly rip-roaringly funny, it is extremely over the top cartoonish, with a ragtag cast of unlikely (and likely) actors taking up new roles in this (now) budding franchise.
Margot Robbie is unquestionably a fixture in the DCEU. Screencap: Warner Bros
Jared Leto and Will Smith are nowhere to be seen, but maybe that’s because they need the budget to bring back Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn) and introduce Idris Elba (Bloodsport) to the lineup – even Sylvester Stallone is in on the act. It seems like James Gunn likes having hard men play cartoonish characters – think Groot and Drax the destroyer – and Stallone is onboard to voice CGI character King Shark.
Sean Gunn’s Weasel is a twisted Rocket Raccoon. Screencap: Warner Bros
Other notable names include comedian Pete Davidson (Blackguard), Rocket Raccoon Sean Gunn who plays a Weasel this time, and the one actor you probably won’t be able to see, John Cena (Peacemaker). If we didn’t know better, there’s probably a half-joke there because we literally can’t see his face half the time because of the mask. Dr Who alumnus Peter Capaldi will probably turn heads with his take on The Thinker; appearance-wise, at least. Taika Waititi’s offbeat humour is set to make an appearance as well, though we have no idea what he’s playing or voicing in the movie just yet.
John Cena does what John Cena does.
The new Suicide Squad trailer feels like the same old tropes albeit with new packaging, but it seems oddball enough to earn a second chance with the fans. And even with the limited screen time, it almost feels as though Elba, Cena and Stallone are just going to play it straight for their roles. Casting brilliance or box office suicide? Maybe that’s kind of their game.
Peter Capaldi’s Thinker is possibly the coolest cat in the upcoming movie. Screencap: Warner Bros
