Will Smith has previous superhero movie experience from starring in 2008’s Hancock, but this August, he’s jumping into the world of DC Comics as Floyd Lawton, a.k.a. Deadshot, in Suicide Squad. Last year, Smith mentioned that one of the reasons he decided to play Deadshot was to explore the character’s “dubious morals.” Now the actor has revealed that another key factor in him taking the role was so he could be the first one to play the assassin in a theatrical movie.
During an interview with ComingSoon.net, Smith stated that he welcomed the opportunity to put his own spin on the first cinematic portrayal of Deadshot for Suicide Squad. He said:
It’s a character that hasn’t really been explored in cinema. I get to design it and be a part of creating the first round of Deadshot in the history of cinema.
As far as live action goes, Will Smith’s Deadshot was beaten to the punch by versions on television. He was first played Bradley Stryer in Smallville, and then by Michael Rowe on Arrow. That’s also not taking into account the character’s numerous animated appearances. However, for the moviegoers who don’t consume (or any) superhero television or other kind of media, Suicide Squad will be their first experience seeing Deadshot in action, which means it’s up to Smith to make a good impression as him. Smith also mentioned that the movie was an opportunity to “work with a really great ensemble,” which is a great feeling with any project.
Will Smith’s Deadshot will be one of the many incarcerated super villains that is recruited by Amanda Waller to join Task Force X, nicknamed the Suicide Squad. Floyd’s expert marksmanship skills will certainly come in handy out in the field, and as we’ve in the trailers, he doesn't go down without a fight, whether it’s against government agents or whoever the movie’s main antagonist is. While operating out in the field with the other DCEU baddies, he’ll form a bond with fellow team member Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie.
Given Smith’s movie star status, it’s doubtful Deadshot will be one of the villains that falls in the field, especially if Suicide Squad 2 is green-lit. If you’ve read his stories or seen his more in-depth tales on TV, there’s plenty of material, from his background to his own eccentricities, that can be expanded upon in future movies. Plus, like the other villains in the movie, Deadshot has a history with Batman, and it’s been rumored that the white-masked assassin could show up in the solo Batman movie. Suicide Squad has Floyd as one of the lead protagonists, but it would be cool to see a rematch between him and the Caped Crusader, even if he isn’t the main antagonist in that feature.
Suicide Squad hits theaters on August 5.
