Gavin O’Connor
Gavin O’Connor is reportedly in talks to write and direct the “Suicide Squad” sequel. Pictured: The American filmmaker attending the “Pride and Glory” photocall during the 3rd Rome International Film Festival at the Auditorium Parco dela Musica in Italy on Oct. 28, 2008. Getty Images/Vittorio Zunino Celotto

The highly anticipated “Suicide Squad” sequel already has a director, and it is none other than Gavin O’Connor. The American filmmaker is reportedly in the final stage of negotiations with Warner Bros. for the project. O’Connor will be doing more than just helming the all-star supervillain movie though, since he has also been tapped to write the script.

On Wednesday, Entertainment Weekly got a confirmation that O’Connor is already in final negotiations to write and direct “Suicide Squad 2.” The first movie was directed by David Ayer. Though the flick grossed $745 million at the worldwide box office, critics were unforgiving when they reviewed the movie. The film was regarded as “flat” and “underwhelming.” Others were impressed by the first act of the movie, but claimed that it went downhill when it became predictable.

Moving forward with the sequel, Warner Bros. tapped O’Connor, perhaps hoping to bring something new to the table and sparing the project from scathing reviews. O’Connor is most notably known for directing Ben Affleck’s “The Accountant,” which is also getting a sequel. His previous works include “Miracle,” “Jane Got a Gun,” “Pride And Glory,” “Warrior” and “Tumbleweeds.”

O’Connor wasn’t really the first choice of Warner Bros. since the studio reportedly set its sights on getting famous action directors like Mel Gibson. When it decided to tap Jaume Collet-Serra though, the latter became unavailable since he had already agreed to helm Dwayne Johnson’s “Jungle Cruise,” according to Deadline.

“Suicide Squad 2,” which is said to be a top priority at Warner Bros. Production, is scheduled to begin filming next year. Filming will not start until the fall season though due to the busy schedules of the returning ensemble cast, as per Variety.

The first “Suicide Squad” movie starred Viola Davis as Agent Amanda Waller, Will Smith as Deadshot, Jared Leto as Joker, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Cara Delevingne as The Enchantress, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Jay Hernandez as El Diablo, Karen Fukuhara as Katana, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc and Adam Beach as Slipknot, among many others. Affleck made an appearance as The Caped Crusader in the film as well.

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