Why Will Smith Isn't Returning As Deadshot For 'Suicide Squad 2'

“Suicide Squad” proved to be a mixed bag for Warner Bros. and DC. The 2016 movie managed to gross $746 million at the worldwide box office but pulled in conflicting reviews. That said, Warner Bros. is determined to bring the team back to cinemas, courting James Gunn to write and direct following his release from Disney over old tweets.

However, it will now reportedly have to move forward without one of its two lead stars.

According to Variety, Will Smith may not be reprising his role as Deadshot in the sequel, slated for a summer 2021 release. Sources close to Smith and the project say this all came down to scheduling issues. It was also reported that the split was amicable and there are no hard feelings on either side.

It’s important to remember that Smith returning was never officially confirmed. However, sources close to Variety previously told them that the studio wanted Smith and lead Margot Robbie, who played Harley Quinn, to return. With Robbie starring in the spinoff “Birds of Prey,” there are still question marks around whether she will appear in “Suicide Squad 2,” though a report from Forbes suggests she still could.

Smith’s departure marks the second high-profile leave from the DC shared film universe. Ben Affleck bowed out as Batman in January.

It will be worth watching to see if Warner Bros. will delay “Suicide Squad 2” following the casting rumors. The same Variety article reports that Gunn is looking to go into production on the film this fall.