Suicide Squad (film)

Suicide Squad is an upcoming American superhero film based on the DC Comics antihero team of the same name, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is intended to be the third installment in the DC Extended Universe. The film is written and directed by David Ayer and stars an ensemble cast featuring Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Ike Barinholtz, Scott Eastwood, and Cara Delevingne.

By February 2009, a Suicide Squad film was in development at Warner Bros. Pictures. Ayer signed on to write and direct in September 2014 and by October the casting process had begun. Principal photography began on April 13, 2015, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with additional filming in Chicago, Illinois, and ended in August that year.

The film is scheduled to premiere in New York City on August 1, 2016 and be theaterically released on August 5, 2016, in 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D.[2][3][4]

Contents 1 Premise 2 Cast 3 Production 3.1 Development 3.2 Casting 3.3 Filming 3.4 Post-production 3.5 Music 3.5.1 Track listing 4 Release 4.1 Marketing 5 Reception 5.1 Box office 6 Sequel 7 References 8 External links

Premise
A secret government agency led by Amanda Waller recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions in exchange for clemency and saving the world from an unknown but powerful threat.[5]

Cast
Director David Ayer (top left) with the cast of Suicide Squad at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con International. Top row: Ayer, Smith, Robbie; Second row: Kinnaman, Courtney, Delevingne; Third row: Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Fukuhara, Hernandez; Bottom row: Beach and Davis.Will Smith as Floyd Lawton / Deadshot:[6] An expert marksman and assassin.[7][8] A mercenary by day and a concerned father by night, Deadshot is a conflicted criminal who enjoys the hunt, but is still trying to do right by his young daughter.[9] Smith stated that Deadshot and Harley Quinn are "allies" in the film, but that they do not know what is happening with the other characters.[10] Smith has also stated that his character shares scenes with Batman.[11]Jared Leto as Joker: A psychopathic supervillain.[7][8] Leto described his role as "nearly Shakespearean" and a "beautiful disaster of a character";[12] about portraying the villain, he stated "I took a pretty deep dive. But this was a unique opportunity and I couldn't imagine doing it another way. It was fun, playing these psychological games. But at the same time it was very painful." Leto never broke character throughout filming, with Smith going as far as stating he never met him. In preparation for the role, Leto spent his time alone, listened to gospel music from the 1920s—commenting he senses "Joker may be much older than people think"—and read literature on shamanism. Influences for the character's appearance include Mexican cartel bosses and the work of Alejandro Jodorowsky.[13] Leto stated that he spoke with doctors and spent time with psychopaths in preparation for his role. The character's tattoos were added by Ayer, who considered it gave a modernised gangster look to Joker.[14]Margot Robbie as Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn: A crazed supervillain and former psychiatrist.[7][8] Producer Richard Suckle described the character as "a fan fave. Funny, crazy, scary... You can't come up with enough adjectives to describe all the different things you see her do."[15] Robbie described Quinn as one of the Squad's most manipulative members, and her relationship with Joker as "incredibly dysfunctional", adding that Quinn is "mad about him—like, literally, mad. She's crazy. But she loves him. And it's a really unhealthy, dysfunctional relationship. But an addictive one."[16]Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag:[17] The all-business field leader of the Suicide Squad, who executes Amanda Waller's orders but does not always agree with her goals or methods.[9] Tom Hardy was previously cast in the role but was forced to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.[8][18]Viola Davis as Amanda Waller:[19] The government official who gives out the Squad's orders.[15] Ambitious and devious, she has big plans and intends to let no metahuman or military protocol get in her way.[9] Davis stated she is fascinated by the character, singling out her psychology and strength and describing her as a "powerful black woman, hard, ready to pick up a gun and shoot anyone at will."[20] She described Waller as "relentless in her villainy" and noted that her powers are "her intelligence and her complete lack of guilt."[15] Davis read M. E. Thomas' autobiography Confessions of a Sociopath to prepare for her role.[13]Jai Courtney as Digger Harkness / Boomerang: An assassin who utilizes deadly boomerangs,[7][8] described as rugged, unpredictable and mouthy.[9] About his role, Courtney stated, "he is an absolute bogan, in the purest sense. [David Ayer]'s first instruction was, 'find your inner shitbag'."[13]Jay Hernandez as Chato Santana / El Diablo:[13][18] A former Los Angeles gang member who has powers that allow him to summon flames.[13] He has squelched his fire-conjuring powers to a solitary flame as penance for the horrors he inflicted on those he's loved.[9] Hernandez sets his character apart from his teammates as he "just wants to stay out of the fight", while "most of [the Squad members] are happy to get out there and kill people".[13]Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Waylon Jones / Killer Croc: A supervillain who suffers from a skin condition that causes him to develop reptilian features.[8][21] Akinnuoye-Agbaje described the character as "a cannibal with rage issues".[15]Ike Barinholtz[22] Scott Eastwood[22] Cara Delevingne as Dr. June Moone / Enchantress: A powerful sorceress.[7] An ancient evil force, she is inadvertently unleashed by adventure-seeking doctor June Moone after a long time of imprisonment.[13][15] Enchantress is not a member of the Suicide Squad, but is the first target of the team.[13] Delevingne explains the entity is "an ancient sorceress. A feral being."[13] Additionally, Karen Fukuhara portrays Tatsu Yamashiro / Katana, an expert martial artist and swordswoman.[8][18] She serves as Rick Flag's bodyguard and wields the mystical Soultaker blade, capable of trapping the souls of its victims. As she is a volunteer, not a criminal, she does not have a micro-bomb implant. Fukuhara stated that Katana "has morals and codes. She can also slice through hundreds of people without taking a breath."[13] She mourns the death of her husband.[9] Adam Beach plays Christopher Weiss / Slipknot,[23] another member of the squad. Ben Affleck portrays Batman, a vigilante from Gotham City, reprising the role from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.[24] Ayer described Batman's role in the film as significant, and said that he is depicted from the criminals' point of view, as a frightening symbol.[25] Jim Parrack and Common were cast as Joker's henchmen Jonny Frost[13] and "Monster T".[26] Alex Meraz,[27] David Harbour,[28] Corina Calderon,[29] and Raymond Olubowale[30] have been cast in unspecified roles.

Production
The Suicide Squad in the DC Extended Universe. From left to right: Slipknot, Captain Boomerang, Enchantress, Katana, Rick Flag, Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Killer Croc, and El Diablo. Development

In February 2009, Warner Bros. was developing a Suicide Squad film, with Dan Lin, Colin Wilson, and Charles Roven producing,[31][32] and Justin Marks writing the script.[33] David Ayer signed on to direct and write the film in September 2014.[34][35] On October 20, 2014, director Ayer talked to Empire Online about the film, and he said "that it's a Dirty Dozen with supervillains" as he based the screenplay on various Suicide Squad comics and material for the screenplay. Citing a reason that "The DC Universe is too rich to go very far astray."[36][37] On March 28, 2015, Ayer teased that the film would also feature Arkham Asylum, in which several members of the Suicide Squad are incarcerated.[38]

Casting

In October 2014, Warner Bros. had offered Ryan Gosling, Tom Hardy, Margot Robbie, and Will Smith roles in the film.[39] In November, The Wrap revealed that Jared Leto was in talks for the role of Joker, which Gosling was originally sought for.[40] The main cast was announced by Warner Brothers in December 2014 with Smith, Hardy, Leto, Robbie, Jai Courtney, and Cara Delevingne as Deadshot, Rick Flag, Joker, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, and Enchantress, respectively.[41] The studio was also considering Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Oprah Winfrey for the role of Amanda Waller.[42] Following the announcement of the cast, comic book writer John Ostrander (creator of the modern incarnation of the Suicide Squad) talked with Comic Book Resources about the casting, saying, "I have no problem with the casting... what I am really impressed by with all of the casting is that they are getting some very good actors to play these parts."[43]

In January 2015, Davis expressed interest in playing Amanda Waller during an interview, saying "I'm fascinated by her (Waller)."[20] Meanwhile, Tom Hardy had to drop out as Rick Flag because of scheduling issues with his film The Revenant.[44] Jake Gyllenhaal was then offered to replace Hardy as Flag, but he declined.[45] The studio were then looking at Joel Edgerton, Jon Bernthal, and Joel Kinnaman to play the role.[46][47][48] In February, Jay Hernandez joined the cast and Kinnaman was also confirmed to play Flag.[49] At the 87th Academy Awards, Davis confirmed that she had been cast as Amanda Waller.[50] In March 2015, boxer Raymond Olubawale was reported to have an unspecified role in the film,[51] and Scott Eastwood announced that he had been cast on Twitter.[52] Later that month, it was confirmed that Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Karen Fukuhara had been cast as Killer Croc and Katana, respectively.[21] Adam Beach, Ike Barinholtz, and Jim Parrack were added to the cast in April 2015.[22] In January 2016, Ben Affleck was confirmed to reprise his role as Batman from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.[24]

Filming

Filming of a helicopter crash on Bay Street in Downtown Toronto, May 2015

Filming of a chase sequence on Yonge Street in Downtown Toronto, May 2015

Filming began on April 13, 2015.[53][54] On April 26 and 27, filming was to take place at the Hy's Steakhouse.[55] A "snowstorm" scene was filmed on April 29 on the Adelaide St. and in Ching Lane.[56] On May 5, a few major scenes were filmed in downtown Toronto next to Yonge and Dundas Square. Street signs were removed for privacy reasons during filming that night.[57] Principal photography wrapped in August 2015 after additional filming took place in Chicago, Illinois.[58][59]

Post-production

Ayer confirmed that the film was completed on June 24, 2016.[60]

Music

Suicide Squad: The Album

SuicideSquadTheAlbum.jpg

Soundtrack album by Various Artists

Released August 5, 2016

Genre Alternative rock, electronica, hip hop, comedy hip hop, indie rock, pop, pop punk, pop rock

Label

Atlantic · Warner Bros.

DC Extended Universe soundtrack chronology

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) Suicide Squad (2016)

Singles from Suicide Squad: The Album

1."Heathens" Released: June 20, 2016 2."Sucker for Pain" Released: June 24, 2016 3."Purple Lamborghini" Released: July 22, 2016

Academy Award-winning composer Steven Price, who previously worked with Ayer on Fury, is composing the score for Suicide Squad.[61] Suicide Squad: Original Motion Picture Score was announced for a release date of August 5, 2016.[62] A soundtrack album for the film, titled Suicide Squad: The Album, was announced in June 2016 and will be released on August 5, 2016.[63]

The album's first single, "Heathens" by Twenty One Pilots, was released on June 20, 2016.[64] A music video for the song, set in a prison and featuring footage from the film, was released on June 21.[65] "Sucker for Pain" was released as the second single on June 24.[64] The album's third single, "Purple Lamborghini" by Skrillex and Rick Ross will be released on July 22.[66]

Track listing

No.

Title

Artist(s)

Length

1. "Purple Lamborghini"  Skrillex & Rick Ross 3:35 2. "Sucker for Pain" (with Logic, Ty Dolla $ign & X Ambassadors) Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons 4:03 3. "Heathens"  Twenty One Pilots 3:15 4. "Standing in the Rain" (featuring Mark Ronson) Action Bronson & Dan Auerbach 3:22 5. "Gangsta"  Kehlani 2:57 6. "Know Better"  Kevin Gates 3:27 7. "You Don't Own Me" (featuring G-Eazy) Grace 3:19 8. "Without Me"  Eminem 4:50 9. "Wreak Havoc"  Skylar Grey 3:48 10. "Medieval Warfare"  Grimes 3:00 11. "Bohemian Rhapsody"  Panic! at the Disco 6:03 12. "Slippin' Into Darkness"  War 3:48 13. "Fortunate Son"  Creedence Clearwater Revival 2:21 14. "I Started a Joke" (featuring Becky Hanson) ConfidentialMX 3:10

Release
Suicide Squad is scheduled to be released worldwide on August 5, 2016 in 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D.[67]

Marketing

Suicide Squad held a panel at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con International, with stars Smith, Robbie, Courtney, Davis and Kinnaman amongst those who appeared. A trailer intended to be exclusive to the event premiered, but was leaked online, with Warner Bros. responding by stating they would not release an official version.[68] However, the following day, Warner Bros. released an official version, stating: "Warner Bros. Pictures and our anti-piracy team have worked tirelessly over the last 48 hours to contain the Suicide Squad footage that was pirated from Hall H on Saturday. We have been unable to achieve that goal. Today we will release the same footage that has been illegally circulating on the web, in the form it was created and high quality with which it was intended to be enjoyed. We regret this decision as it was our intention to keep the footage as a unique experience for the Comic-Con crowd, but we cannot continue to allow the film to be represented by the poor quality of the pirated footage stolen from our presentation."[69] On July 13, 2015, Warner Bros released the official Suicide Squad 2015 San Diego Comic-Con "first look" teaser on YouTube.[70]

Reception
Box office

In the United States and Canada, Suicide Squad is projected to gross $100–135 million in its opening weekend, and is expected to set debut records for both August (Guardians of the Galaxy's $94.3 million in 2014) and Will Smith (I Am Legend's $77.2 million in 2007).[71][72]

Sequel
In March 2016, it was announced that Warner Bros. would bring Ayer and Smith back for a sequel, to be shot in 2017 after the pair completed filming another project, Bright, in 2016.[73][74] The following month, Ayer expressed an interest in making the sequel R-rated.[75] In May of 2016, it was announced that Harley Quinn would be staring in another film currently in development, set within the DC Extended Universe. Robbie will reprise her role, in a cast that is said to feature several of DC Comics' female characters.[76]