The Suicide Squad Movie

The Suicide Squad movie is due out in 2016.  The identity of the director, David Ayer, has been known since Warner Bros. announced their upcoming slate of DC films two months ago.  Cast announcements date back to this week!

What is the Suicide Squad?

Suicide Squad is one of DC's more underwhelming comic books.  It features a cast of super villains, pressed into serving the US government (or S.T.A.R. Labs, or whoever), by taking part in a "suicide mission" that will likely involve heavy casualties.  Hence the name: Suicide Squad.

The team roster varies, but Deadshot, a gun-wielding assassin, is probably the best known member of the team.  Amanda Waller, the Nick Fury of DC Comics, is also closely associated with the Squad.  In more recent incarnations Harley Quinn, the Joker's female consort, has become more popular.

Who is David Ayer?

David Ayer is the guy who directed "Fury," the WWII film starring Brad Pitt.  He has also directed "Harsh Times," "Street Kings," "End of Watch," and "Sabotage."  He has also written several memorable films, such as the underrated "Dark Blue" the first "The Fast and the Furious," and the excellent "Training Day."  His movies tend to center around law enforcement or military types, and are generally driven by a great deal of testosterone.

Despite the surprisingly mediocre "Sabotage," a recent Schwarzenegger vehicle, his film output is remarkably consistent.  "Fury" is a great movie, and made me even more excited about his next project. 

Which Characters Are in the Movie?

From the recent casting news, we know that Deadshot, the Joker, Harley Quinn, Rick Flag, Enchantress, Amanda Waller, and Captain Boomerang are in the movie.  Lex Luthor will also cameo.

I think putting The Joker in this movie is a no-brainer.  With the next solo Batman film still far out on the horizon, it's a smart move to put one of DC's most recognizable characters in the film.  I'm sure a lot of people will show up just to see yet another actor take on this high-profile role.

Who Has Been Cast?

So far Wll Smith has been cast as Deadshot, Jared Leto will be the Joker, Tom Hardy will be Rick Flag, Margot Robbie will be Harley Quinn, Jai Courtney will be (Captain) Boomerang, and Cara Delevinge will be Enchantress.  There is also talk of Oprah Winfrey being cast as Amanda Waller.

I am particularly excited about Jared Leto.  The guy just won an Oscar, after all.  I've been a fan of his since "Requiem for a Dream," and it will be interesting to see what he does with this character.  Casting Margot Robbie from "The Wolf of Wall Street" is also an inspired choice.

I am far less excited about Will Smith as Deadshot, but then again David Ayer is used to working with major stars, and odds are that he'll bring out the best in Will Smith.  Let us not forget that for every "After Earth" or "I, Robot" there is a "Pursuit of Happyness."  Say what you like about the guy, but he can definitely act.

What Can We Expect?

I have never been a big fan of the comic book, but on the strength of David Ayer and those already cast I'd have to say that this movie is going to be awesome.  I'm expecting Jared Leto to chew some major scenery as the Joker, and the characters easily lend themselves to the kind of stories that David Ayer is accustomed to telling.  Compared to Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy," this movie is even further out of left field, and it has the potential to be an even bigger success.