Idris Elba In Talks To Play Deadshot In 'Suicide Squad 2'

Despite a response that was mixed at best, 2016’s “Suicide Squad” was successful enough at the box office that a sequel was greenlit not long after by Warner Bros. And while it hasn’t had the easiest time getting off the ground, it finally looks like production on “Suicide Squad 2” could get going soon, and with a new Deadshot to boot.

It is being reported by Variety that Idris Elba is in talks to play Floyd Lawton, AKA Deadshot, in the James Gunn written and directed sequel. This news comes on the heels of reports that Will Smith, who played the character in the first film, is dropping out due to scheduling conflicts.

If this comes to pass, it will be the latest in what looks to be a big year for the British-born actor. Elba is set to star as the villain in the upcoming “Fast & Furious” spin-off “Hobbs & Shaw,” starring alongside Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham. He will also be starring in the upcoming Netflix series “Turn Up Charlie,” and in the film adaptation of “Cats” alongside Jennifer Hudson, James Corden, and Taylor Swift.

Aside from Elba, this would be a big boom for a film that has had a rocky road to production. Original director David Ayer was not brought back for the sequel, and then Gavin O’Connor signed on for a short time as director before departing the project. “Suicide Squad 2” was finally able to find some stability with the hiring of Gunn after being let go by Disney for his old, problematic tweets.

Other than Elba, there have been no reports or confirmations on actors or characters that could be appearing “Suicide Squad 2.” The same goes for Margot Robbie, who played Harley Quinn in the first film. She is currently reprising her character for the film “Birds of Prey.”