He felt so strongly about his vision for the character that he even began writing him with a distinct characterization in mind: one based around the vocal stylings of Sylvester Stallone, the Rocky Balboa and John Rambo actor who previously cameoed in Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2.
“Strangely, as I’ve become more able to get whatever actor I want for roles in movies, I started taking risks and writing for actors that I don’t know,” Gunn reveals. “So for instance, I wrote Bloodsport for Idris Elba, having never met him, but being a big fan of his work in other places. And I knew Sly, and I know him pretty well. So I wrote the role of King Shark with his voice in mind.”
Audiences have only gotten a glimpse so far in trailers of King Shark’s laid back and easygoing demeanor, but if the marketing is anything to go by, we may have on our hands a character as lovable as Groot in the Guardians films. Although Gunn is quick to point out that “King Shark is much less sentimental than Groot.”
Maybe it’s the swallowing of henchmen whole that should warn us not to go in for that hug?
The Suicide Squad opens in theaters and on HBO Max on Aug. 6, 2021.
