Earlier this month, Warner Brothers and DC Comics shed a little more insight on their expanding cinematic universe that began with 2013’s Man of Steel.
That movie introduced Superman and his supporting cast of characters, its sequel Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice will continue to build the shared movie world by introducing Batman, Wonder Woman, and other heroes. After this, Justice League, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman projects are all slated to be released, giving audience their favorite do-gooders in live action once and for all.
All, well and good.
But what’s up with that Suicide Squad movie?
I’m sure the name has appeared on a newsfeed or two of yours. It’s impossible it hasn’t. Despite its obscurity among mainstream audiences, DC and Warner Brothers’ announcement of the Suicide Squad casting decisions have caught the attention of the masses. By backing this otherwise little-known property with huge stars like Will Smith, Tom Hardy, Viola Davis, and Jared Leto – the Suicide Squad has launched itself to the public eye.
Just one thing, though.
Who are they? What’s their deal? Let me help.
Introducing: the Suicide Squad.
Who are they?
Introduced to modern comics in Legends #3 in 1987, the Suicide Squad are an elite team of supervillains who, while imprisoned by the government, serve as soldiers on high risk black-ops missions. Why would they do these good deeds if they’re so evil do you ask? Because the government has made them expendable by implanting bombs in their heads that – if they disobey their orders – they will detonate and use to kill them.
A mainstay in comics for decades, the Suicide Squad has become beloved by hardcore fans for their angsty anti-hero characters. Despite their usual dastardly alignment, oftentimes it’s the US Government who winds up playing the role of the antagonist in their stories.
Suicide Squad comics have offered superhero stories with a spy/heist twist. Led by Amanda Waller (think a sassy, brassy, no-nonsense Nick Fury), notable members of the team include Rick Flag, Jr, Bronze Tiger, Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, and Harley Quinn.
Who’s playing who?
In Warner Brothers official announcement many (if not all) the members of the team were announced.
Deadshot is played by Will Smith
Floyd Lawton aka Deadshot is a actually a pretty high profiled villain in the DC universe. He is an expert marksman who brags about his never missing his target, who’s usually got a cybernetic eye that serves both as a super-scope and computer. He’s known for his ability to throw caution in the wind, unflinching in the face of death. In some storylines he has a tragic storyline along the lines of a dead or misguided next of kin. The character has recently been seen on Arrow both independently and as a member of the Suicide Squad.
Harley Quinn is played by Margot Robbie
Originally introduced in the 1990’s classic Batman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn soon became a household name after making the jump to the comics. The former psychiatrist to the Joker, turned love-crazed girlfriend and sidekick, fans have longed to see her represented on the silver screen for years. We’ll get our chances with Suicide Squad.
In the most recent incarnation of the Suicide Squad in the New 52 rebooted comics, Suicide Squad is very much used as a vehicle for Harley. In it, she’s seen as a violent wildcard whose everlasting love for the Joker remains a perpetual wildcard for missions and her general stability.
Rick Flagg, Jr. is played by Tom Hardy
An expert in combat, strategy, and war tactics, Flagg resembles DC’s answer to GI Joes. A soldier in peak condition and the son of a veteran in his own right, Flagg is usually the leader of the Suicide Squad.
Despite his military background, his loyalty to the Squad is oftentimes of paramount to his loyalty to anything else. He once famously sided with them instead of the Justice League themselves.
Captain Boomerang, is being played by Jai Courtney
Digger Harkness aka Captain Boomerang is basically the scum of the earth. A highly trained killer with a (guess what?) boomerang as his weapon of choice, he takes pride out of rubbing people the wrong way. Described by Amanda Waller herself as a “jerk and a screw up,” he’s the Squad member who often will sabotage the mission because he’s in a bad day. Oh, and he once got kicked off the team for being too racist.
Enchantress is being played by Cara Delevigne
A spinner of spells, June Moone is a sometimes dark magician, sometimes super-sorceress. Her command over the magic realm allows her to teleport, walk through walls, and manipulate all things living or dead. She has been both a member of the Suicide Squad and of Justice League Dark – a mystical off shoot of the super hero team.
Amanda Waller is played by Viola Davis (rumor)
Not included in the original cast report, but rumored to be part of the team is Viola Davis (The Help, HTGAWM) as Amanda Waller. Sporting the nickname of “The Wall,” Waller is always depicted as a large personality who is tougher than a two dollar steak. She is the government appointed leader of the Suicide Squad, playing a role akin to Nicholas Fury’s to the Avengers.
The Joker is played by Jared Leto
Making his return to the big screen, last scene played by Heath Ledger who won an Oscar for the role in 2008’s The Dark Knight. The Joker has never been a member of the Suicide Squad, but is also never too far from Harley Quinn. Could he be the subject of the Squad’s mission? Or will he serve as an outside force, pulling Harley away from the team? Only time will tell.
What Should I Watch in the Mean Time?
There is plenty of Suicide Squad out there to sink your teeth into, but if I were to suggest a work first and foremost it would be the recent animated feature released by DC entitled Batman: Assault On Arkham. This offers the chance to see movie members Deadshot, Amanda Waller, and Harley Quinn among a few others. Additionally, it has a great use of the Joker which could translate great to the big screen. They also have an arc in Arrow and Justice League Unlimited, both of which are on Netflix.
There you have it! Do you feel smarter now than you did before? Have anything to add? Sound of in the comments below.