Warner Bros. has started to make some serious moves, and we're completely on board. Although the DCEU markets itself as a superhero movie universe, the studio has really doubled down on the exposure of the villains in this particular world. We saw this trend begin with Suicide Squad in August, and now DC wants to expand on that idea even further. Hot off of the heels of the announcement of a Gotham City Sirens movie, we have officially learned that Warner Bros. has also announced plans for Suicide Squad 2, as well as a solo Deadshot movie.
A report from THR indicates that Warner Bros. is once again delving into the villainous side of the DCEU. In addition to the recent announcement of the Gotham City Sirens movie, Warner Bros. has also committed to producing a Suicide Squad sequel, as well as a standalone movie centering on Will Smith's Deadshot. Although specific details for each film remain relatively vague, we know that Warner Bros. currently has Gotham City Sirens on a fast track, with Suicide Squad 2 following in development. Deadshot's movie is the furthest from release, but the fact that it has actually been announced is a huge step for the character.
It makes plenty of sense to learn that Warner Bros. intends to develop these three specific movies. Out of all the characters who debuted during the events of Suicide Squad, Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn and Will Smith's Deadshot very clearly made the biggest and best impressions on audiences. Deadshot seems particularly worthy of a spin-off film of his very own, as his relationship with his daughter (coupled with his continued hatred of Ben Affleck's Batman) makes him a genuinely compelling character with a ton of story potential. If audiences continue to gravitate towards Harley and Deadshot, then it could go a long way towards fleshing to the evil side of the DCEU -- which would actually give DC a leg up on Marvel, as the MCU has thus far lacked in the villain department.
Beyond that, a Suicide Squad sequel pretty much seems like a total no-brainer at this point. Regardless of the movie's critical reception (it currently holds a 26% on Rotten Tomatoes) it was a financial success, and financial success will almost always lead to the franchise treatment in this blockbuster era.
I have to admit, it's almost bizarre to see these movies become so highly anticipated while other avenues of this universe continue to struggle -- and I mean that in a good way. Hero-centric movies like The Flash have been plagued with behind-the-scenes drama, but DC seems to have found a very specific niche by focusing on anti-heroes and villains in the DC Extended Universe. It sets the DCEU apart from the competition, and offers something unlike anything audiences have really seen before. That's worth getting excited about.
CinemaBlend will keep you up to date regarding any and all relevant details pertaining to the development of Gotham City Sirens, Suicide Squad 2, and the Deadshot solo movie as more information becomes available to us.
