The casting news surrounding Warner’s upcoming Suicide Squad film just keeps coming: after learning that Jared Leto was being courted to portray The Joker, and that Margot Robbie had signed on for the role of Harley Quinn, Variety is now reporting that Terminator: Genisys star Jai Courtney is in talks for the role of DC villain Deadshot.
A major fixture in the Batman universe, Deadshot (real name Floyd Lawton) is an elite assassin with an impressive collection of weaponry, as well as a blatant disregard for his own safety as it pertains to the completion of his assignment. The character has been part of several versions of the Suicide Squad lineup in the comics, and also has major ties to Catwoman – although we aren’t expecting her to make an appearance in this one. will likely be positioned as the team’s leader for the film version.
With rumors of Tom Hardy and Will Smith also being involved in the film, many assumed that the Deadshot role would go to Smith – but according to sources, Smith is actually up for the part of Digger Harkness, better known as The Flash’s nemesis, Captain Boomerang. Smith is said to be loosely tied to the film, but Hardy seems to be a lock for the role of Rick Flag, a founding member of the Suicide Squad and the team’s leader.
As for Courtney, he’s on quite a hot streak right now, after breaking out as John McClane’s son in A Good Day to Die Hard, and following up with a villainous turn in Divergent, a role which he’ll reprise for next year’s sequel, Insurgent. He’s also the headliner in next summer’s Terminator: Genisys, and this role could add another entry to his impressive resume.
It’s also worth noting that Deadline isn’t buying the Deadshot news: their sources indicate that Courtney “might instead be cast in another of the DC comic book properties that WB has slotted through 2020.” Thanks to Souto at Red Carpet Refs for pointing this out.
Director David Ayer is currently rewriting the Suicide Squad script, with plans to shoot early next year. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on August 5, 2016.
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