Suicide Squad is one of the most bizarre superhero films of the decade, as it was both simultaneously a massive success and failure. This quagmire makes Suicide Squad 2 an even harder proposition, as DC is stuck deciding whether to make a film that will appeal to the fans of the first or change it up and try to appeal to critics. Well it appears they may have a name that could change their brand in a big way, and it will likely upset Marvel Cinematic Universe fans a great deal. Former Guardians of the Galaxy director, James Gunn.
Gunn is currently in talks to serve as both the writer and director for Suicide Squad 2, with Gunn having a “completely new take on the property” according to The Wrap.
According to @TheWrap, former Guardians of the Galaxy director @JamesGunn is in talks to write Suicide Squad 2. https://t.co/QtXytkY6oU
— Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) October 9, 2018
This is a bombshell of a story, with Gunn seemingly switching sides after his noteworthy firing from Guardians of the Galaxy 3. Some may consider this move petty by Gunn, but I think its a beneficial decision for both his career and himself. It’s obvious to many that Gunn did not deserve to be fired over something that he had already publicly addressed and apologized about before even coming on board to Marvel, so getting a little revenge is understandable.
While the first film was a mess, Suicide Squad 2 does have a lot of promise for Gunn. The concept itself is very much similar to Guardians, but if he is able to take the material into the more sinister places, it could make for a really unique superhero experience. I hope Warner Brothers will give Gunn the chance to make an R-rated Suicide Squad film, which would allow Gunn to combine his blockbuster craftsmanship with his older indie sensibilities.
It also probably points to Jared Leto not being in the film, given Gunn’s past comments in which he implied that Leto is a pedophile.