While he was the biggest star in the cast of the first Suicide Squad, Will Smith does not appear in the sequel currently playing. An absence that has several explanations.
After the critical failure of Suicide Squad in 2016, Warner turned to a director other than David Ayer to continue the adventure: James Gunn. The studio then left the choice to the filmmaker to keep or not the characters introduced in the first episode.
In the end, the director of Guardians of the Galaxy chose an in-between, recalling some of the stars of the first film (Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis and Jai Courtney) but not Will Smith.
However, according to producer Peter Safran, the one who was one of the biggest names in the original cast was not ruled out from the start. In fact, he might even have been able to reprise his role as Deadshot if it weren’t for a scheduling conflict.
A WELCOME CONFLICT
On the set of The Suicide Squad, the producer had indeed reported to the press that there had been disccusions considering a return of Will Smith. “We talked about it. But I think it was really more about the schedule than anything else”He said.
And to specify: “We knew we had to start filming in September because, honestly, we probably knew before other people that James was going to be back doing The Guardians 3. So it was really important that we start filming when it was. expected and Will was unavailable. It kind of made everything easier.”
An unavailability which thus arranged James Gunn, who preferred to distance himself from the feature film of David Ayer. “It was nice because it also helped to separate [The Suicide Squad] from the first movie in a better way”, Concluded Peter Safran.
IDRIS ELBA TO THE RESCUE
If Deadshot is not therefore back, a fairly similar character nevertheless takes the head of the new suicide team in the new episode: Bloodsport, played by Idris Elba.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the actor is also back on the announcement of his recruitment. At the time, many believed he was hired to replace the I Am Legend star.
“These rumors were natural because Will said he wouldn’t be in the second movie so it’s pretty normal that audiences and fans thought I was going to reprise the role of Deadshot since this character survived.”, Said Idris Elba.
And the comedian admits: “But I’m very happy that James didn’t want to do this. I didn’t want that myself. Deadshot is a great character and Will rocks in the role.”A character who could also always come back in a possible sequel!
The Suicide Squad trailer:
