Elba had been rumoured to be taking the role over from Will Smith
Idris Elba has joined the cast of The Suicide Squad as the character Deadshot is removed from the movie.
It had previously been rumoured that Elba would take over from Will Smith in playing the role.
Now, Variety reports that the British actor will play an unknown new character in the next instalment of the Suicide Squad franchise. A source told the publication that the team behind the movie didn’t want it to seem like they were disrespecting Smith by replacing him with someone else.
The removal of Deadshot from the upcoming DC Extended Universe movie means Smith could return to play Deadshot in the future. He is not involved with The Suicide Squad because of scheduling conflicts.
The new movie is currently set for release on August 6, 2021, with no UK release date set at present. It will be directed and written by James Gunn, with Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang, and Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller all rumoured to return.
Elba, meanwhile, has been rumoured to be in the running to play James Bond in future 007 films. Daniel Craig is reportedly set to leave the hit franchise after Bond 25.
Speaking about the rumours last month, the actor said: “Bond is one of the biggest franchises in the world and, for that reason, whoever ends up playing it lives it. You’re that character and known as that character for many, many years.
“I’m creating characters that can still live alongside Idris,” he added. “Not ones that take over me and solely define me.”
