Joel Kinnaman, who is reprising his role as Rick Flag in The Suicide Squad, revealed that the upcoming blockbuster is the best James Gunn film to date. The standalone sequel to David Ayer’s Suicide Squad will be released simultaneously in theatres and on HBO Max this summer.
The tenth film in the DCEU focuses on a group of convicts from Belle Reve Hospital who attempt to destroy a Nazi-era prison and laboratory. The loaded ensemble cast includes Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Idris Elba as Bloodsport, John Cena as Peacemaker, and Sylvester Stallone as King Shark. Gunn stated that the film drew inspiration from John Ostrander's 1980s Suicide Squad comics and will feature a narrative separate from the first film’s story arc.
Kinnaman told Just for Variety that The Suicide Squad is “insane” and is “by far” Gunn’s best film. That is high praise considering the filmmaker made the first two installments in the beloved Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. “It just takes it to another level,” said Kinnaman, while adding, “It’s an insane film. At the same time, it was very much the movie that I thought it was going to be because the vision was so clear from the beginning.” The 41-year-old star praised Gunn’s comedic vision and believes the film will transcend the genre because of its pace and comedic timing. “I’m of course hopelessly biased, but I found it to be one of the most entertaining films I’ve ever seen,” he said.
The actor admitted that the first Suicide Squad film tailed off after the first 40 minutes. “I thought the first 40 minutes of the film was fucking great, and then there were conflicting visions, and it just didn’t end up being what we all hoped it was." Despite grossing $746 million worldwide and being the tenth-highest grossing film of 2016, the first installment was deemed disappointing by many fans and critics. Ayer has since revealed that his original vision was altered because Warner Bros. wanted the tone to be less gritty and more light-hearted.
Gunn, who is slated to direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 later this year, was most recently filming The Suicide Squad series spin-off titled Peacemaker for HBO Max. The highly-anticipated series stars John Cena and will see his character, Christopher Smith/Peacemaker fight for peace at any cost. Gunn stated that the show will explore current social issues through the eyes of the world’s biggest douchebag. The character, who was created by writer Joe Gill and artist Pat Boyette, first appeared in 1966’s Fightin' 5 #40. The cast also includes Danielle Brooks (Orange Is the New Black), Robert Patrick (Terminator 2), Chris Conrad (Patriot), and Nhut Le (Kroll Show). The eight-episode-long spin-off series will be released on HBO Max early next year.
Reactions to the first trailer for The Suicide Squad were generally positive, so Kinnaman's words offer another boost of confidence for fans eagerly waiting to see what Gunn can deliver for the DCEU. While Marvel Studios' family-friendly nature limits the Guardians of the Galaxy films to PG-13 ratings, The Suicide Squad will be rated R, ensuring Gunn will hold nothing back.
The Suicide Squad will be available on HBO Max and in theaters starting August 6, 2021.
Source: Variety