Update — June 23rd: A new trailer for The Suicide Squad gives us more Idris Elba and a long look at the villainous Starro the Conqueror. Check it out below.
Warner Bros. has unleashed the first R-rated trailer for James Gunn’s upcoming DC Extended Universe sequel The Suicide Squad. Check it out below.
After being briefly fired from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Gunn picked up the reins of the DCEU’s bad guy bonanza from David Ayer, who helmed 2016’s Suicide Squad. He brought with him an almost entirely new collection of almost-heroes to stand alongside returning characters Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney), Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), and Amanda Waller (Viola Davis).
Newcomers include Idris Elba in a role Gunn reportedly wrote specifically for the actor despite never having met him, Bloodsport; John Cena as Peacemaker, who has already lined up his own HBO Max spinoff series; Pete Davidson as Blackguard; Peter Capaldi as The Thinker, whom the trailer hints will play a central role to the plot; David Dastmalchian as Polka-Dot Man; Nathan Fillion as original creation T.D.K. (The Detachable Kid); and Gunn’s frequent collaborators Sean Gunn (his brother) and Michael Rooker as Weasel and Savant, respectively.
The film’s new red band preview shows how much fun Gunn is having with his cast, timing their actions to Steely Dan’s “Dirty Work” and depicting King Shark (whom Gunn has confirmed is voiced by Sylvester Stallone) “nom nom”-ing on some unsuspecting goons. The script also seems to be stuffed with Gunn’s trademark quippy dialogue, which plays well into Robbie’s Harley Quinn and the deranged “patriotism” of Cena’s Peacemaker.
As far as plot, well, it’s pretty straight forward: Incarcerated villains get a chance at reduced sentences in return for doing the government’s dirty work. Oh, and there’s a giant Kaiju starfish (classic DC villain Starro).
Watch the R-rated The Suicide Squad trailer below. Under that, you can take a look at the individual characters in newly revealed posters.
The movie blasts into theaters and HBO Max on August 6th.
Our first trailer. Warning: gore & adult language & supervillains & adventure & heart. Can't wait to see it in a theater with all of you on August 6. #TheSuicideSquad pic.twitter.com/HdqlGVP0lB
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 26, 2021
Already prepping for the mission 👊 pic.twitter.com/HetqdCxHP0
— DC (@DCComics) March 26, 2021
I have loved the character of Harley Quinn since she debuted as an animated character. It was my privilege bringing her to life in all her nutso glory. @MargotRobbie #TheSuicideSquad pic.twitter.com/Hgb6UaWHYL
Advertisement— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 26, 2021
And, no, Capaldi Army, I haven't forgotten you guys either. Peter Capaldi as The Thinker. #TheSuicideSquad pic.twitter.com/1FdesQrXDo
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 26, 2021
https://twitter.com/idriselba/status/1375467150949945346
In case you're wondering who that shark is… @TheSlyStallone King Shark. #TheSuicideSquad https://t.co/ziuCDeU0Wl pic.twitter.com/uB7mnqh7ab
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 26, 2021
So excited to see the @SuicideSquadWB trailer that I just threw up a couple polka dots… pic.twitter.com/iseAwNCZeA
— David Dastmalchian (@Dastmalchian) March 26, 2021
Get ready! #TheSuicideSquad trailer is coming today. 💣💣💣 pic.twitter.com/8KQIEFXYF3
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) March 26, 2021
Don’t get too attached and hold onto your peace-loving pants. #TheSuicideSquad trailer is coming today! pic.twitter.com/HtuyGAYXwM
— John Cena (@JohnCena) March 26, 2021
*squaaaaawkeeeekekekekekeeeeeee braaapth*
#TheSuicideSquad trailer. Today.#weasel pic.twitter.com/Zx6uZqZArF— Sean Gunn (@seangunn) March 26, 2021
I smell many rats. 🐀🐀🐀🐀
Trailer is coming TODAYYYYYY @SuicideSquadWB @wbpictures @DCComics @JamesGunn pic.twitter.com/90Ojw2lPSp— Daniela Melchior (@MelchiorDaniela) March 26, 2021