It has been reported that Will Smith will not be returning to resume his role as “Deadshot” in the DC comic book thriller Suicide Squad sequel. Upon hearing of the news, many wondered who would replace Smith in the lead role. It looks like Idris Elba is the leading contender.

THR reports that Smith made the decision not the star in the upcoming sequel due to scheduling conflicts. He is currently preparing for the upcoming release of Disney’s Aladdin. Elba is now the favorite to be the next to play “Deadshot.” Reportedly the star of Luther made a huge impression on Warner Bros. and director James Gunn during a recent get-together. Reportedly, Elba is the first and only choice for Gunn and the studio as the replacement for Smith.

The brass at Warner Bros. is said to be heavily invested in the Suicide Squad sequel and its script that was penned by Gunn. The film project is going forward with high expectations due to the tremendous success of the first installment of the Suicide Squad.

Also, Gunn is said to be using mostly DC characters who did not previously appear in David Ayer’s 2016 film, although several are expected to return, including Deadshot, Harley Quinn, and Rick Flagg, originally played by Joel Kinnaman, say sources. Another source, however, says Flagg is no longer in the follow-up.

Elba continues to be on a hot streak. He is set to host NBC’s Saturday Night Live this weekend for the first time. He plays a villain in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, which is slated to bow Aug. 2, and is coming off of filming Working Title and Universal’s adaptation of the Broadway mainstay Cats, in which he plays the feline Macavity. If that wasn’t enough, Elba is a popular DJ having spun at the Royal Wedding for Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan and will perform at Coachella this year.

The Suicide Squad has an Aug. 6, 2021, release date.

The post Idris Elba Reportedly the Front Runner to Replace Will Smith in ‘Suicide Squad’ Sequel appeared first on The Source.

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