James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad is almost here and has already created quite the buzz for itself. Even Harley Quinn herself, Margot Robbie, has called it the GOAT comic book film. On the other hand, the 2016 David Ayer-directed Suicide Squad has been maligned by critics and fans. Ayer has recently been on an emotional campaign to get justice for his cut of the movie after the studio greatly altered his original vision. Former stars of the original have voiced their support for Ayer as the release of James Gunn’s film draws closer. Now, Jai Courtney, who has now been a part of both movies, has explained how working on Gunn’s production compared to the 2016 film.
Comparisons between the two Suicide Squad films were inevitable. The 2016 movies has its fans, but like the theatrical cut of Justice League, it didn’t work too well. The new version is already garnering high praise from critics and the stars of the film. Jai Courtney comments to Comicbook.com do help shed light on the differences between the productions. During the interview, the actor said:
Well, weirdly, there's probably less nudity on the set of this film than there was on the last one. But what was captured on camera was certainly a little more adult. [James Gunn] was really able to push the envelope with the violence and the humor, but also the heart and the soul. And I think that's what he's done so well with this. We really get to the human core that a lot of these characters possess. And that's what gives us the gateway into them. It's the way we can connect with them. And I think that's why, despite the spectacle and all the amazing stunt work and visual stuff that audiences are going to have hitting them in the face, there's this sort of beautiful central emotional core of the film. And I think it's going to be quite moving. Fans are going to love it. I can't wait to push it out there into the world.
According to Jai Courtney, The Suicide Squad is certainly more adult than the 2016 film, which shouldn't be too surprising given the R-rating. All in all, Courtney's comments basically highlight the freedom that James Gunn was given to make a more mature movie. Coincidentally, the actor has already been teasing the R-rated violence of Gunn’s movie, and he has gone into more detail about how the director pushed the envelope with the film’s humor and violent action.
It's also great to hear that James Gunn gave the film a heart and soul through all the violence, allowing characters their due on an emotional level. Honestly, Gunn is excellent at creating emotional ties to characters to get the audience invested in the adventure. Guardians of the Galaxy is the perfect example of how he can create a real connection between the various characters and the audience. It'll be intriguing to see how this takes shape in The Suicide Squad.
At this point, fans are already wondering/hoping James Gunn will do another DCEU movie after The Suicide Squad. Gunn has many options regarding future, which he's earned after having made unique big-screen stories for over a decade. But Gunn recently shared his desire for a Marvel and DC crossover movie, and the idea is pretty solid. But only time will tell if something like that will even be possible.
It's been great to see the positivity and enthusiasm James Gunn and the stars of The Suicide Squad have been expressing. And you best believe it's only going to keep fans more excited as we reach the final stretch before the movie's release.
The Suicide Squad hits theaters and HBO Max on August 6th.
