Idris Elba Reportedly Set to Replace Will Smith in ‘Suicide Squad’ Sequel
Idris Elba (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
Warner Brothers has reportedly identified Idris Elba as their top choice to replace Will Smith in the upcoming Suicide Squad sequel.
Variety reports that Smith had to drop out of the film due to scheduling conflicts. Since then, it has been a scramble for the studio to find another A-list star to play his role of Deadshot in the mega-hit franchise.
With just a few months left before production begins in September, it appears they have found their replacement in Elba. No official word on the rest of the cast yet, but many believe Margot Robbie will be returning as Harley Quinn.
The first Suicide Squad film grossed more than $750M at the box office, despite less-than-stellar reviews. The cast, led by Smith, included Robbie, Jared Leto, Cara Delevigne and Viola Davis. James Gunn will write and direct the sequel, due out in August of 2021.
The news about Elba is just the latest in a round of major successes for the British actor. He is set to appear in the upcoming Fast and Furious spinoff, Hobbs and Shaw, as well as Netflix’s Turn Up Charlie and was recently named People Magazine‘s “Sexiest Man Alive.”
