Despite delivering a wild, bloody, and critically praised reboot in 2021, The Suicide Squad won’t be getting a sequel anytime soon. That may disappoint fans who fell in love with James Gunn’s gritty, irreverent take on Task Force X, but there’s a good reason for the delay—one that ties directly into the massive restructuring of DC’s entire cinematic universe.
James Gunn’s New Role: From Director to DCU Architect
The biggest roadblock to The Suicide Squad 2 is James Gunn himself—because he’s now steering the entire ship. In late 2022, Gunn was appointed co-CEO of DC Studios alongside producer Peter Safran. Since then, his focus has shifted away from individual projects and toward building a fully rebooted, interconnected DC Universe (DCU) to replace the crumbling remnants of the DCEU.
Gunn has made it clear that his energy is now on long-term worldbuilding. His first major film as DCU boss, simply titled Superman (formerly Superman: Legacy), is set to release on July 11, 2025 and will officially kick off the new cinematic timeline. It’s not just a fresh start—it’s a clean slate. Alongside the Superman reboot, Gunn is launching a variety of TV shows and animated projects, including Creature Commandos (which debuts in late 2024) and Peacemaker Season 2.
In a 2023 interview, Gunn shut down any hope of a Suicide Squad sequel in the near term. “I just don’t have the time,” he admitted, citing his focus on broader DCU projects. While he didn’t completely rule out returning to those characters someday, his plate is undeniably full—and his storytelling lens is now much wider.
What Happens to The Suicide Squad Characters Now?
The 2021 film exists in a weird gray area. It was part of the old DCEU, but elements from it—especially the characters Gunn created or developed—are being carried over into the new DCU. Case in point: Weasel, the bizarre humanoid rodent from The Suicide Squad, appears in Creature Commandos. Even Rick Flag Sr. (played by Frank Grillo) is set to appear in both the animated show and the Superman film, despite his son’s death in the movie.
Meanwhile, Peacemaker, arguably the breakout success from the movie, has already spun off into its own series on Max, with a second season expected to hit screens in late 2025. Viola Davis is returning as Amanda Waller in both Peacemaker and the upcoming Waller series, further cementing her as a key figure in the new continuity.
So while The Suicide Squad 2 may not happen in name, many of its characters are still very much alive (literally and narratively) within the reshaped DCU.
Could Task Force X Return in Another Form?
Absolutely—and Gunn has even hinted at that possibility. The concept of the Suicide Squad is built for reinvention. In the comics, Task Force X constantly rotates members, making it an ideal franchise for mixing in new antiheroes, villains, and B-list oddities from the DC roster. A future film or series could easily bear the Suicide Squad name without continuing the exact storyline from the 2021 movie.
Warner Bros. Discovery has also shown ongoing interest in mining the Suicide Squad IP. Even with Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League—the Rocksteady game based on the same concept—suffering critical and commercial setbacks, the brand still holds value, particularly if reimagined under the broader DCU umbrella.
The key, however, is timing. Gunn’s roadmap for Chapter One: Gods and Monsters is already packed, and any new Suicide Squad iteration would likely be years away and potentially developed by another creative team.
What About the Original Cast?
Part of what made The Suicide Squad shine was its ensemble: Margot Robbie’s unpredictable Harley Quinn, Idris Elba’s layered performance as Bloodsport, John Cena’s twisted take on Peacemaker, and the surprise charisma of David Dastmalchian’s Polka-Dot Man. While some characters met their brutal end, others could return if the story calls for it.
Margot Robbie has hinted at being open to more Harley Quinn, but nothing is officially in the works. Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag may be dead, but flashbacks aren’t off the table in the DCU. Stallone’s King Shark is a CGI creation with easy return potential, and John Cena’s Peacemaker remains firmly in play.
These actors have all moved on to other high-profile roles, but many maintain strong ties to the DC world. Given Gunn’s creative relationships with them, don’t be surprised if they pop up down the line in unexpected places—even if not under a Suicide Squad 2 banner.
TL;DR: Don’t Expect a Sequel, But Don’t Count the Squad Out
James Gunn’s 2021 The Suicide Squad revived the franchise’s reputation and set the tone for what DC storytelling could look like—violent, weird, emotionally grounded, and totally unpredictable. But a sequel just isn’t in the cards right now. Gunn’s focus is on establishing the new DCU, and any return to Task Force X will have to wait until that foundation is solid.
Still, the characters, tone, and energy of The Suicide Squad live on in shows like Peacemaker and the upcoming Waller. In a universe this chaotic, no one stays dead—and no franchise ever truly dies. Task Force X might not be back soon, but they’re never out of the game for long.
Key Takeaways
- The Suicide Squad (2021) featured a mix of returning stars like Margot Robbie and newcomers such as Idris Elba and John Cena.
- James Gunn’s direction helped establish new character dynamics that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
- Several cast members have maintained their DC connections while the studio continues evolving its approach to the franchise.
Cast and Characters
The Suicide Squad features an ensemble of talented actors bringing DC Comics’ antiheroes to life. The film showcases both familiar faces from previous installments and exciting new additions to the franchise.
Returning Talent
Margot Robbie reprises her iconic role as Harley Quinn, continuing to define the character with her unpredictable charm and combat skills. Joel Kinnaman returns as Colonel Rick Flag, the military leader who keeps the squad in check during missions. His character maintains a stern demeanor while navigating the chaos around him.
Viola Davis comes back as Amanda Waller, the ruthless government official who oversees the Suicide Squad operation. Her commanding presence remains vital to the team’s existence.
These returning cast members provide continuity with the previous film while their characters show notable development under James Gunn’s direction.
New Additions
Idris Elba joins the cast as Bloodsport, a mercenary with advanced weapons technology and impressive marksmanship. John Cena steps into the role of Peacemaker, a paradoxical character who loves peace so much he’s willing to kill for it.
Michael Rooker appears as Savant, adding to the roster of skilled criminals. The new cast brings fresh energy to the franchise.
Other notable additions include:
- Steve Agee as King Shark (motion capture)
- Peter Capaldi as The Thinker
- Daniela Melchior as Ratcatcher 2
- David Dastmalchian as Polka-Dot Man
Each new character introduces unique abilities and personalities to the team dynamic.
Character Evolution
Harley Quinn’s character shows significant growth from previous appearances, with Robbie bringing more depth and independence to the role. Her evolution from Joker’s sidekick to self-sufficient antihero continues in this installment.
Rick Flag demonstrates more personality and moral complexity compared to the previous film. Kinnaman’s portrayal reveals new layers to the character’s motivations and principles.
The new characters receive substantial development despite the film’s large cast. John Cena’s Peacemaker proved compelling enough to warrant his own spin-off series.
James Gunn’s direction allows each character to have meaningful moments that reveal their backgrounds and motivations, creating more three-dimensional portrayals than typical comic book adaptations.
Behind the Scenes
The Suicide Squad (2021) offered fans a wealth of behind-the-scenes content, showcasing the creative process and on-set dynamics that brought the film to life.
Directing and Vision
James Gunn’s approach to The Suicide Squad marked a significant shift from David Ayer’s 2016 film. Gunn brought his unique visual style and dark comedy sensibilities to the DC project, creating a tonally distinct experience for audiences.
Behind-the-scenes footage released on YouTube highlights Gunn’s collaborative work with the cast, including Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, and John Cena. The director maintained a playful atmosphere on set while executing complex action sequences.
Special effects breakdowns reveal the blend of practical and digital effects used to create the film’s most memorable moments. Cast interviews show the actors’ enthusiasm for Gunn’s vision and the creative freedom they experienced.
Production Updates
The production process included extensive on-set tours and action reels that demonstrated the scale of the project. HBO Max released making-of documentaries showing the intensive preparation required for the film’s elaborate action sequences.
Behind-the-scenes videos captured interactions between cast members, revealing the chemistry that translated to screen. New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi joined the diverse cast that included Storm Reid, Nathan Fillion, and John Cena.
Bloopers and gag reels provide glimpses of lighter moments during filming, showcasing the cast’s professionalism and camaraderie. The production team’s attention to detail is evident in the VFX breakdowns that demonstrate how DC Comics’ most outlandish characters were brought to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Suicide Squad franchise continues to spark curiosity among fans with questions about casting, release dates, and character developments. Many followers are particularly interested in Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn and potential new additions to the ensemble.
Who are the new cast members in the latest Suicide Squad film?
The latest Suicide Squad film featured several new additions to the franchise. Idris Elba joined as Bloodsport, while John Cena took on the role of Peacemaker.
Sylvester Stallone provided the voice for King Shark, and Steve Agee performed the on-set motion capture. The expanded cast also included David Dastmalchian as Polka-Dot Man and Daniela Melchior as Ratcatcher 2.
Is there a confirmed release date for Suicide Squad 3?
Currently, there is no officially confirmed release date for Suicide Squad 3. Warner Bros. has not made any formal announcements about production timelines or release windows.
The studio seems to be reassessing their DC film universe strategy following recent restructuring. James Gunn, who directed “The Suicide Squad” (2021), has since taken on a leadership role at DC Studios, which might influence future decisions about the franchise.
Which platform is streaming the most recent Suicide Squad movie?
“The Suicide Squad” (2021) is currently available on HBO Max as part of Warner Bros.’ streaming catalog. The film was initially released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max.
It may also be available for rental or purchase on other digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Regional availability may vary depending on local streaming rights and distribution agreements.
Has the character Rick Flag been included in the upcoming Suicide Squad sequel?
Joel Kinnaman portrayed Rick Flag in both the 2016 “Suicide Squad” and the 2021 “The Suicide Squad” films. His character played a significant role in the team’s dynamics.
Without revealing spoilers about the character’s fate in previous films, there has been no confirmation about Rick Flag’s inclusion in any upcoming sequel. Official announcements about character returns for future installments have not been made public.
What changes have been made to Harley Quinn’s portrayal in the latest Suicide Squad iteration?
Margot Robbie has continued to play Harley Quinn throughout the DC film universe, including in “The Suicide Squad” (2021). Her portrayal has evolved to show more independence and agency compared to earlier appearances.
In the latest iteration, Harley’s character demonstrated more combat skills and tactical thinking. Her costume and overall aesthetic also changed, moving away from the “property of Joker” theme seen in the 2016 film to reflect her character growth and emancipation storyline.
Can we expect any surprise character appearances in the new Suicide Squad installment?
No official information has been released regarding surprise character appearances in any upcoming Suicide Squad project. The franchise has previously included unexpected cameos and mid-credit scenes featuring DC characters.
James Gunn’s approach to “The Suicide Squad” included several unexpected character introductions and creative use of lesser-known DC villains. This pattern suggests that any future installment might continue this tradition of surprising fans with unexpected character appearances or cameos.
