After a five-year wait, the volatile bad guy team team known as the Suicide Squad is about to return to screens. The Suicide Squad, directed/written by Guardians of the Galaxy's James Gunn, will jump to theaters on August 6th, 2021. The last outing of the team was seen in 2016's Suicide Squad with David Ayer writing and directing. The only member of the team still fresh in audiences' minds is Harley Quinn, with her spin-off film coming out just last year. However, the team is about to remind audiences around the world that some missions are too grim for the likes of Batman or Superman to get involved.
The first trailer dropped on March 26, 2021 and it offers just enough to keep fans eager with anticipation until the film's release. From the trailer's opening moments, it's clear that Gunn has a very different vision for the team than his predecessor did. While much of the plot remains a mystery, the trailer has provided more than a few pieces of the puzzle. New characters, locations, and dynamics all point towards a DCEU film like none other.
10 A (Mostly) Brand New Team
The 2016 Suicide Squad team consisted of Col. Rick Flagg, Killer Croc, Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, El Diablo, Katana, and Slipknot, with Amanda Waller serving as its shadow leader. Aside from the deaths of El Diablo and Slipknot, the rest of the team remained intact.
However, the 2021 version has added new members, such as Bloodsport, Peacemaker, King Shark, Savant, Polka-Dot Man, Mongal, Ratcatcher 2, Blackguard, Sol Soria, Weasel, Javelin, and T.D.K. This means that the team will have fresh dynamics and new powers to display. While the fates of its previous members are unknown, this new team seems to work much better together.
9 Deep-Dive Characters
Suffice to say, not many DC fans will know the characters Savant, Mongal, or Javelin. James Gunn is well known for taking obscure and silly comic book characters and breathing new life into them. This talent can be seen in both of his Guardians of the Galaxy films.
Interestingly enough, the majority of the team is comprised of obscure characters, which means that audiences can go in and experience them for the first time. Only time will tell how these characters are used in the film. If the trailer is any indication, though, viewers are bound to find a few new favorite DCEU characters (try not to get too attached, though, Gunn has warned).
8 Rick Flagg & Amanda Waller Remain In Charge
Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) and her right hand man Col. Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman) are the gas that runs the heavily armored vehicle that is the Suicide Squad. One of the first moments in the trailer shows them leading the team in a quest to rescue Harley Quinn.
The team moves out rapidly and efficiently, only to discover that she needs no rescue. The way the team operated shows that Waller and Flag have learned from their less-than-stellar first outing with them. Flagg seems to follow Waller without question and without blackmail. With the team in their hands, they are sure to be up to the task of taking on any foe that comes their way.
7 There Is At Least One Alien On The Team
The original team mostly consisted of highly-trained killers, with only El Diablo being considered a meta-human. The new team not only seems to have at least two of them, but they also have a non-human: Mongal. This alien warrior is the daughter of the despotic and violent warlord Mongul.
Not only is her father a match in strength for Superman himself, but he has plagued the entire Justice League on more than one occasion in both the comics and the DCAU. If Mongal has even a quarter of his strength, she will prove to be more than powerful enough to serve as the muscle of the team.
6 Bloodsport Is The Team Leader
Peacemaker (John Cena) refers to Bloodsport, played by Idris Elba (a role specifically written for the actor), as "The Leader". The trailer more than indicates this to be true, as he is often seen at the head of the team and working closely with Flag.
With Waller and Flag being at the top, Bloodsport must lead the team on a mission to mission basis. He displays tremendous amounts of courage, intelligence, and leadership in just the first half of the trailer alone. It is not known what type of creature the team is facing (though the trailer has given some subtle hints), but he is sure to guide the squad to a victory no matter the cost.
5 Harley Quinn Remains As Brutal As Ever
One of the biggest standout characters of Suicide Squad (2016) and the DCEU in general has been Harley Quinn. Her manic yet intelligent mind and unique outlook on life has made her loved by many a DC fan. Across two films, her character has evolved into an anti-hero. However, her scenes in the trailer indicate that she is still vicious and brutal.
She has several moments where she sounds lost in bloodlust and displays quite a few moments of violence. Gunn will no doubt ensure that her beloved status remains, but it looks like he will not shy away from her cruel nature either.
4 The Team Parties Hard
One particular scene of note in the trailer features neither violence nor action. It contains a few moments of the team dancing and smiling. They all seem to be having the time of their life.
Polka-Dot Man in particular seems to be in the grip of pure bliss. The reason they are dancing remains a mystery for now, but the overall message is clear. The team is unified on a personal level and have fun to the same extremity in which they carry out their missions. This is an interesting new dynamic to explore.
3 Starro The Conqueror
One of the biggest surprises found in the trailer is the appearance of the villain Starro. For those unfamiliar, Starro is an enormous starfish-esque alien that has the ability to control the minds of other beings. It can also reproduce asexually at a rapid rate, allowing for massive invasions of worlds.
Starro first appeared in Brave and the Bold # 28 in 1960, fighting against the Justice League of America. Since then, it has made several appearances in the comics and the DCAU. This is an incredibly powerful being that will be more than a challenge for the Suicide Squad.
2 The Thinker Appears
Another surprise is the Thinker, played by Peter Capaldi, being warned by Flag and Bloodsport. Not only does he have a comics-accurate appearance, but he seems to be vital in completing a mission.
Flag and Bloodsport seem to distrust him, so it seems as though he is forced to join the team. There is no telling if he will appear in much of the film, but he must be an important character. If his performances in Doctor Who and In The Thick Of It are any indication, then Capaldi's take on the Thinker will be something to behold too.
1 King Shark Will Steal The Show
From the moment he shows up, King Shark (a very different character in the movie and the game) steals the trailer. Voiced by none of than Rocky himself, Sylvester Stallone, King Shark is presented as a simple-minded yet viciously brutal member of the team.
Much of the comic relief is centered around him. He is also one of the few meta-humans on the entire team, which means that he will come in handy during battle with his unique abilities. The trailer alone features a bunch of memorable scenes with him, and there is no doubt that the movie itself will elevate his character to fan favorite status.