Suicide Squad was one of the more intriguing prospects of the young DC film universe. It featured a killer cast and was coming from David Ayer, the director behind End of Watch and Fury. This villainous team-up movie promised something truly different than we had seen in any comic book film universe prior. Unfortunately, for many, the film did not live up to its potential, was poorly received by critics and received a lukewarm reception from fans. Since then, much has been made about where the film went wrong, who edited it and how much was left on the cutting room floor. When asked what he thought went wrong, actor Joel Kinnaman, who played Colonel Rick Flag in Suicide Squad, had this to say:
In the third act. It was a great setup, great characters. I think that if, when we do a second one, I wouldn't be surprised if we see more of a grounded version of the film. I think the characters are so extreme, so I think it would be more effective if we're seeing them [around] maybe less sorcery. Because I think the characters become more extreme if you see them in conjunction with more real people.
Joel Kinnaman's statement here to Yahoo Movies pretty much echoes one of the most common criticisms of the film. The Suicide Squad members are great, interesting characters, but they are not all metahumans. Thus having them fight a sorceress villain in the third act seems out of place. A magical CGI-fest doesn't really fit with these types of characters, and it doesn't make sense for these characters to be facing a threat with the power level of the Enchantress. Many of the villains in the Suicide Squad are Batmans foes, not Superman's, thus they should remain in that lane. Joel Kinnaman is right that they are great characters and if they are put in their proper, more grounded context, they will be far more effective.
Part of Joel Kinnaman's point is that the members of the Suicide Squad seem less dangerous and compelling when you have an ancient evil sorceress around. Harley Quinn, Deadshot and the rest can seem far more villainous and menacing when contrasted with lower powered foes and people. Director David Ayer has even admitted that Joker should have been the primary antagonist of the film. Ultimately, it seems like everyone learned a lot from the mistakes of the first film and can try something different to put the best foot forward for Suicide Squad 2.
Early rumors have claimed that The Rock's Black Adam may be Suicide Squad 2's main antagonist. While I am excited to see this character and Dwayne Johnson in the DC film universe, this could potentially replicate one of the main problems of the original Suicide Squad. Black Adam is an incredibly powered character on whom guns and baseball bats will provide little effect. Should Warner Bros. and DC go this route, they will have to be careful to keep things as grounded as possible and have the narrative make sense for these characters.
Suicide Squad 2 may begin filming soon, and is set to be directed by Gavin O'Connor. Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for all your DC film universe news.
