Idris Elba in talks to replace Will Smith as Deadshot in The Suicide Squad

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

It was revealed last week that Will Smith would not be reprising his role of Deadshot for the upcoming SUICIDE SQUAD sequel, and now THR has reported that Idris Elba (FAST & FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW) is currently in talks to replace him.

According to THR's sources, THE SUICIDE SQUAD writer/director James Gunn met with Idris Elba on Friday and it went over so well that talks quickly began. It's also said that the actor is the first and only choice for James Gunn and Warner Bros. It's not something I expected, but I love the idea of Idris Elba as Deadshot, and the actor already has plenty of experience as a deadly gunman thanks to THE DARK TOWER. The studio is apparently extremely pleased with how the project is shaping up and are now speeding towards the casting stage after receiving several drafts from James Gunn. It's been said THE SUICIDE SQUAD will be less of a sequel and more of a relaunch with a cast of mostly all-new characters, but there will be some who will cross over, such as Deadshot and Harley Quinn. Unlike Deadshot, it seems that Quinn won't be recast as Margot Robbie is reportedly set to reprise the role, but I suppose anything can happen between now and when production actually kicks off. As for why Will Smith left the role behind, it reportedly came down to a matter of scheduling, and that the choice was made on amicable terms between both sides with no hard feelings. That's always nice. THE SUICIDE SQUAD is set for an August 6, 2021 release.

Idris Elba will next be seen in Turn Up Charlie on March 15th, a Netflix comedy series which finds the actor starring as Charlie, a struggling DJ and eternal bachelor who's given a final chance at success when he reluctantly becomes a manny to his famous best friend's problem-child daughter. The actor will also take on the role of the villainous Brixton in FAST & FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW on August 2, 2019.