As reported by Variety, Will Smith dropped out of his role as Deadshot on the sequel movie “Suicide Squad 2” last week. He reportedly has scheduling conflicts, so filmmakers had to move fast to find a suitable replacement as production is set to start in September this year. Many fans were concerned about what kind of star talent Warner Bros could get to replace the actor. Worry no more, as Idris Elba has now been offered the coveted role. Elba will be wearing Floyd Lawton’s helmet in the upcoming sequel.
‘Suicide Squad 2’ cast
So far there is no other casting news about the sequel to “The Suicide Squad.” However, it is generally assumed that Viola Davis and Margot Robbie will reprise their roles as Amanda Waller and Harley Quinn respectively, alongside Elba’s new placement as Deadshot.
The release date is currently planned for 6 August 2021.
Idres Elba will be replacing Will Smith as Deadshot in Suicide Squad 2! #DCEU pic.twitter.com/AWEe7CaL0J
— CBC 🎙️ (@ComicBookCast) March 6, 2019
The pressure was on for the producers to make the right decision, as the first “Suicide Squad,” starring Jared Leto, Smith and Robbie, was a massive box office hit in 2016, which grossed $746 million (£570 million) worldwide.
The Hollywood Reporter has heard Joel Kinnaman won’t be returning as Rick Flagg in the sequel, however, it is unknown whether they are looking for a different actor for the role. Den of Geek pondered the question of whether Will leaving and Idris arriving on “Suicide Squad 2” might have bearing on a possible solo Deadshot Film which the studio was reportedly considering.
However, nothing has been heard of that idea since it was mentioned in 2016. Despite this, it will be good to see Idris back in a superhero role.
Will Smith Will Not Return for Suicide Squad 2 #DCComics #SuicideSquadhttps://t.co/8MdcjLalQO pic.twitter.com/TwHSUoqGQS
— The Nerd Stash (@thenerdstash) February 28, 2019
Idris is a busy boy these days
Meanwhile, Elba is not sitting around doing nothing as he will be starring in the new Netflix series “Turn Up Charlie” as a failed DJ turned "manny."
WATCH: First look at @idriselba's new @NetflixSA comedy series titled Turn Up Charlie https://t.co/nXcm2kj4lm pic.twitter.com/FlQhvCWbfs
— Channel24 (@Channel24) February 28, 2019
Elba will also be appearing in the spinoff to “The Fast and the Furious,” “Hobbs and Shaw” with Jason Statham and Dwayne Johnson.
Idris is also starring in the “Cats” adaptation by Universal and Tom Hooper, alongside James Corden, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Hudson.
The recent rumours that Idris would play the next James Bond after Daniel Craig bows out of the film series were quashed, much to the disappointment of many of his fans. Meanwhile, Elba did have some practice as a tough guy with a gun in the film adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower” a while back. Even though the film pretty much tanked, he handled the role very well. What can I say – he’s an excellent actor and is definitely someone who is great to look at, whatever role he plays.