With just a few weeks to go until the release of James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, we’ve decided to take a look at the all-star roster of actors who are coming together to take on some of the most prominent and exciting roles the DC Extended Universe has to offer. Here are all of the new and returning faces making up the new Task Force X in this year’s The Suicide Squad…
Amanda Waller (Viola Davis)
After a frankly stunning performance in the first Suicide Squad movie, Viola Davis is back to reprise her role as Task Force X’s controversial commander, Amanda Waller. Having created the Suicide Squad, she’s somebody who has drawn a flurry of criticism from her peers due to her unconventional means of getting the job done, no matter the price. Convinced that the ends always justify her means however, she is unwavering in her determination and quick to manipulate those she needs to use to reach her goal.
Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie)
Perhaps the most celebrated performer from the Suicide Squad is Margot Robbie, as the loveable rogue Harley Quinn. Having enjoyed a bunch of appearances in the DC Extended Universe, she returns once more for another life-or-death mission following the events of the Birds of Prey movie, which saw her finally pull away from the emotional and abusive pull of Joker (Jared Leto). Though she doesn’t have any superpowers, Quinn is particularly skilled when it comes to combat, enjoying the use of bats and oversized hammers if they’re to-hand.
King Shark (Sylvester Stallone, Steve Agee)
This shark-human hybrid isn't afraid to chomp through a few people and has in the past, proven to be a mighty opponent to Aquaman in DC’s comic books. Here, he’ll be voiced by Sylvester Stallone, following Steve Agee’s work on-set and, after seeing some of the teasers and trailers ahead of The Suicide Squad’s release, we’re expecting him to provide some comic relief throughout the film. With super strength and durability, he’s certainly going to be a tough cookie; not somebody we’d want to get on the wrong side of!
Bloodsport (Idris Elba)
As one of the few people who have actually gotten the upper-hand against Superman, Bloodsport is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous villains under Amanda Waller’s control. With Waller using his daughter’s looming court case to manipulate Bloodsport into taking part in her mission, audiences could be set to see this contract killer’s fiery temper reach new heights. He may not have superpowers, but give him a gun of some sort and he’ll get the job done.
Peacemaker (John Cena)
Described by John Cena himself as a “douchey Captain America”, Peacemaker is a man who actually may be closer to a hero than a villain, but bends the rules and laws of the land to achieve success. Going after warlords and the like, he sees pacifism and diplomacy as the be-all-and-end-all and, if his story is like that told in the comics, it’s due to the mental strain of being the son of a Nazi death camp leader. Cena has clearly proven to be a natural in front of the camera, as Peacemaker will also be getting his own spinoff series, also from this film’s director, James Gunn.
Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney)
Following his fan-favourite status in the first film, Jai Courtney is reprising his role as Aussie smart-mouth Captain Boomerang. Having been brought to justice by The Flash, the character is facing a life behind bars and so if we’re being honest, we think he actually enjoys the opportunity to get his hands on a flurry of weapons and take part in missions as part of Task Force X. Nobody could ever accuse Captain Boomerang of not being passionate about the job at-hand.
Colonel Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman)
Another familiar face is the returning cast member Joel Kinnaman, who reprises his role as the original Suicide Squad’s leader, Colonel Rick Flag. Having fallen for Cara Delevingne’s June Moone, aka Enchantress in the first movie, we expect Amanda Waller will be keeping a closer eye than ever before on her Special Forces officer.
Sol Soria (Alice Braga)
Juan Soria is a male wannabe member of the Justice League, who has the ability to unlock any lock when he injects nanites into his hands. After being rejected by the superhero squad, he robbed a bank and was quickly captured, before being placed into a hole so that he could not escape. Fans are expecting Sol Soria to be a gender-swapped version of the character; it's going to be very interesting to see how she is utilised in the upcoming film.
Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian)
Though he looks absolutely ridiculous, Polka-Dot Man is probably one of the most efficient villains - or anti-heroes - on the roster of Task Force X. The various spots on his costume can be removed before turning into different objects that can aid him on his mission and so, whilst he may seem a little strange and can at times even be annoying, Amanda Waller is right in thinking he could be an essential player for the team.
Savant (Michael Rooker)
Has Michael Rooker ever looked so glorious? Sporting some luscious locks, he reunites here with director James Gunn to take on the role of the eccentric Savant, whose weapons of choice are a pair of batons. As the heir to a major fortune and the head of a blackmailing business, the law finally caught up to Savant. Exactly why he’s on the squad remains to be seen, as his memory lapses due to a chemical imbalance could prove to be detrimental to the mission at-hand.
The Thinker (Peter Capaldi)
Longtime fans of DC comics will be excited to see another adaptation of one of its oldest villains. Using a metal helmet, The Thinker is capable of mind control and telekinesis, but it comes at a price. Despite being young, using so much of his mental force prematurely ages him, due to the draining of energy from his body.
Blackguard (Pete Davidson)
This once-petty criminal made a name for himself when he was recruited by The 1000, taking part in some of the most ambitious crimes and defending himself thanks to the heavy armour he wears, which can generate a solid shield built out of pure energy. Now captured, Blackguard is being forced to showcase his run-and-gun skills as part of the new Task Force X.
Mongal (Mayling Ng)
Following her work in Wonder Woman, Mayling Ng has now picked up a prominent role in the new Suicide Squad release. As Mongal, she has a history that has seen her trying to murder Superman, using her superhuman strength and speed to try and get the job done. We’re expecting her to be one mighty fighter on the ground as part of the new Task Force X.
Weasel (Sean Gunn)
Director James Gunn brings his brother on-board in the forum of Weasel, thanks to advancements in motion-capture technology! As a particularly uneasy-on-the-eyes mutant, Weasel possesses the powers of superhuman strength and speed which he has in the past used to kill 27 children. He’s certainly not someone you’d want to anger, so let’s hope the team can find some respect for this one…
Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior)
Exactly how Ratcatcher 2 is related to the original Batman villain remains to be seen, but if we're to focus on the powers of that character, we expect Daniela Melchior's character to be able to communicate with and control the rodents that make up her moniker. Exactly how that's going to prove useful as part of Task Force X remains to be seen, but we’re sure she’s got something up her sleeves to impress.
TDK (Nathan Fillion)
If you thought some of the other characters in this lineup were strange, then we may just be about to blow your mind. TDK, short for The Detachable Kid, is a man who is able to detach his own limbs and use them telekinetically as blunt objects against opponents. It’s a wild power and one that has in the past not proved to be very effective, thus resulting in TDK’s rejection from The Legion. We’re excited to see how Nathan Fillion brings this role to life; and are expecting plenty of laughs.
Javelin (Flula Borg)
This former Olympic athlete turned to a life of crime, going up against Green Lantern and creating an arsenal of weapons from javelins, actually defeating the superhero before being brought to justice. Clearly able to handle himself, it’s going to be very exciting to see the character in-action on the big screen.
The Suicide Squad comes to cinemas across the UK on July 30th, 2021.
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