The upcoming SUICIDE SQUAD adaptation from Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment, has quickly become one of the most highly anticipated blockbusters of the next few years. Not only will David Ayer (FURY) helm the large scale project, but the film also boasts an all-star cast consisting of Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney and Jared Leto.
However, this past week has seen the production hit a minor speed bump with the unexpected departure of Tom Hardy. It was initially assumed that Jake Gyllenhaal (NIGHTCRAWLER) would replace the DARK KNIGHT RISES star in the role of Rick Flag, however it has since been revealed that he declined the invitation. Now, two more potential candidates for the part of Flag have arisen, and they are certainly interesting choices!
Ayer is reportedly considering both Jon Bernthal and Joel Edgerton as Hardy’s replacement in the upcoming DC Comics adaptation. While Bernthal will be most commonly recognised for his role as Shane in The Walking Dead, the distinctive star has also made appearances in THE WOLF OF WALL STREET and Ayer’s own FURY. Meanwhile, Edgerton can be most recently seen opposite Christian Bale in Ridley Scott’s biblical epic, EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS. While both actors are extremely talented and equipped for the part, Bernthal seems like the logical choice based on his prior association with Ayer.
SUICIDE SQUAD definitely seems to be attracting all sorts of actors to its villain-centric premise, with FOREST GUMP’s Gary Sinise also rumoured to have been cast. However, there are conflicting reports as to which character Sinise has apparently signed on to play, with some indicating that it could be that of General Eiling (currently played by Clancy Brown on The Flash). Finally, True Blood‘s Joe Manganiello is said to be in contention for the role of Slade Wilson/Deathstroke. The character is currently played by Manu Bennett on the CW’s Arrow, meaning that Warner Bros are intent on keeping their film and television universes separate. Manganiello has repeatedly expressed his desire to be included in a comic book movie in the past, and was even considered for Superman in Zack Snyder’s MAN OF STEEL. The gargantuan actor would certainly be a fine physical match for the deadly assassin, with his previous work for Ayer on last years SABOTAGE surely doing no harm for him either…
Either way, it’s clear that Warner Bros. are very serious about opening up their big screen superhero universe, with these potential casting choices (as well as Ben Affleck’s rumoured cameo appearance), even more proof that Marvel should watch their backs!
SUICIDE SQUAD (currently) stars Will Smith as Deadshot, Jared Leto as The Joker, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, Cara Delevingne as Enchantress and Viola Davis as Amanda Waller.
Check back with THN for more updates as we get them!
Source: Cinemablend
