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Idris Elba will reportedly replace Will Smith in 'Suicide Squad 2'

7 March 2019, 11:57

Will Smith attends the premiere of Netflix's 'Bright'/Idris Elba arrives at Netflix's 'Turn Up Charlie' For Your Consideration Event — Idris Elba will replace Will Smith in 'Suicide Squad 2'. Picture: Getty

By Jazmin Duribe

Someone's adding Deadshot to their superhero CV…

Idris Elba will reportedly replace Will Smith in Suicide Squad 2, which is due for release on August 6, 2021. The Aladdin actor – who will take on the controversial role of Serena Williams' father Richard in a new biopic – is thought to be leaving the DC movie sequel because of scheduling issues.

The Hollywood Reporter claims Idris met with James Gunn, who is writing the script for Suicide Squad 2, and other Warner Bros bosses and it all went well. The Thor: Ragnarok actor is thought to be Gunn's only choice for the recast, after Don Cheadle denied he would be taking the role.

The original Suicide Squad movie – which also starred Jared Leto and Margo Robbie – grossed a whopping $746 million worldwide when it was released in 2016, but received a lot of critical reviews.

Will Smith as Deadshot in 'Suicide Squad'. Picture: Warner Bros

Needless to say, when news of Idris' casting reached the internet, DC fans were living for it.

One of the most inspirational speeches in movie history.
Initially, I didn't want WB to recast Deadshot, but Idris Elba is a worthy successor.
So glad to have him in DCEU
Go and watch Pacific Rim, if you haven't already btw. It's so good. and don't bother with the sequel. pic.twitter.com/rwT2x4v2O4
— #WonderGal (@amazonheroicon) March 7, 2019

Upgrade! 🖤
— Vampyr (@VampiraPsiquica) March 6, 2019

You’ve piqued my interest.
— Space Cowboy (@spikespeigel) March 6, 2019

Idris Elba as Deadshot for #SuicideSquad2 good choice @JamesGunn pic.twitter.com/JsledkBfXa
— AJ's University of Nerds and Geeks!❤️⭐️️🌈 (@AjGeeks7) March 7, 2019

Idris Elba is Deadshot now pic.twitter.com/mq3RGTsdAG
— Gaseous Clay (@Debonair_David) March 7, 2019

It hasn't been confirmed which other members of the Suicide Squad will return for the sequel, but it's reported that Joel Kinnaman's character Rick Flagg will be leaving the franchise.

However, Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn is expected to be returning, after becoming one of DC's most-loved characters and inspiring so many Halloween costumes in 2016.