This superhero film, based on the DC Comics antihero team, is intended to be the third installment in the DC Extended Universe.
Written and directed by David Ayer, the film stars an impressive ensemble cast featuring Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaj, Ike Barinholtz, Scott Eastwood and Cara Delevingne.
In Suicide Squad, 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 a powerful threat.
Ayer signed on to write and direct in September 2014. Principal photography began on April 13, 2015, in Toronto with additional filming in Chicago.
Cast
Will Smith as Floyd Lawton /Deadshot
An expert marksman and assassin, 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. Deadshot and Harley Quinn are “allies” in the film, but that they do not know what is happening with the other characters
Jared Leto as Joker
A psychopathic supervillain, Leto described his role as “nearly Shakespearean” and a “beautiful disaster of a character.” In 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.”
In preparation for the role, Leto spent his time alone, listened to gospel music from the 1920s—”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. Leto stated that he spoke with doctors and spent time with psychopaths. The character’s tattoos were added by Ayer, to give a modernized gangster look to Joker.
Margot Robbie as Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn
A crazed supervillain and former psychiatrist. Robbie described Quinn as one of the Squad’s most manipulative members, adding that Quinn is “mad about him. She’s crazy. But she loves him. And it’s a really unhealthy, dysfunctional relationship. But an addictive one.”
Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag:
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. Tom Hardy was previously cast in the role but was forced to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.
Viola Davis as Amanda Waller:
The government official who gives out the Squad’s orders.Ambitious and devious, she has big plans and intends to let no military protocol get in her way. Davis, 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.” She described Waller as “relentless in her villainy” and noted that her powers are “her intelligence and her complete lack of guilt.” Davis read M. E. Thomas’ autobiography Confessions of a Sociopath to prepare for her role.
Jai Courtney as Digger Harkness / Boomerang
An assassin who utilizes deadly boomerangs,[described as rugged, unpredictable and mouthy. Courtney stated, “he is an absolute bogan, in the purest sense. David Ayer’s first instruction was, ‘find your inner shitbag’.
Jay Hernandez as Chato Santana / El Diablo:
A former Los Angeles gang member who has powers that allow him to summon flames. He has squelched his fire-conjuring powers to a solitary flame as penance for the horrors he inflicted on those he’s loved.[ 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.”
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Waylon Jones / Killer Croc:
A supervillain who suffers from a skin condition that causes him to develop reptilian features.[ Akinnuoye-Agbaje described the character as “a cannibal with an issue.”
Cara Delevingne as June Moone / Enchantress:
An archaeologist who is possessed by an ancient evil force that transforms her into a powerful sorceressUnleashed after a long period of imprisonment, the entity draws the attention of Waller. Delevingne described Moone as “an adventure-seeker who’s always wanted some excitement” and Enchantress as “a feral being.”
Karen Fukuhara portrays Tatsu Yamashiro / Katana, an expert martial artist and swordswoman. She serves as Rick Flag’s bodyguard and friend who 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.” She mourns the death of her husband.
Adam Beach plays Christopher Weiss / Slipknot, another member of the squad.
Ben Affleck portrays Bruce Wayne /Batman, a vigilante from Gotham City, reprising the role from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Batman’s role in the film as significant–he is depicted from the criminals’ point of view, as a frightening symbol.
Ezra Miller reprises his role as Barry Allen /The Flash from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a superhero with high speed capabilities.
