In an exciting turn of events, James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe (DCU) opens up possibilities for the return of Will Smith as Deadshot. Not only does this revival hold the potential to fulfill Smith’s original desire for a Suicide Squad spinoff, but it also aligns with the DCU’s broader strategy to introduce a variety of new characters in both animated and live-action formats. Among these new faces are David Corenswet’s Superman, Milly Alcock’s Supergirl, and a newly cast Wonder Woman alongside Batman from The Brave and the Bold.
Interestingly, certain characters from the previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU) have made the transition successfully into the DCU. Prominent examples include John Cena’s Peacemaker, Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller, and Idris Elba’s Bloodsport, showcasing Gunn’s ability to selectively retain elements from past franchises.
The Reasons Behind Will Smith’s Departure from Deadshot
Will Smith Was Close to Reprising His Role
In 2016, discussions surrounding a spinoff focused on Deadshot took place, despite the mixed reviews of Suicide Squad. Even though a sequel was greenlit following the first film’s release, Will Smith faced scheduling conflicts that ultimately prevented him from reprising his role. As the project evolved, he became entrenched in his role in the critically acclaimed film King Richard. This led Gunn to reimagine Deadshot as Bloodsport, portrayed by Idris Elba, shifting focus entirely from the original character.
The absence of Deadshot in Gunn’s The Suicide Squad has contributed to an ambiguous fate for the character, leaving the door open for a potential return in future projects. While the larger narrative around the DCEU faced significant hurdles leading to its dissolution in 2023, titles like Creature Commandos have begun to integrate elements from past films, hinting at the possibility of reviving Deadshot within the new continuity.
Will Smith’s Desire to Reclaim His Role as Deadshot
A Strong Passion for the Character
Over the years, Will Smith has consistently indicated his enthusiasm for a Deadshot solo film. On his YouTube channel, he stated, “I hope so. I love playing Deadshot. I really enjoyed that character.”Even during the early stages of development for the spinoff, Smith shared, “They’ve been talking about it… But I would love to. I love Deadshot.”With his A-list status, Smith is well-positioned to lead a successful DC film.
In a 2021 interview with GQ, he articulated his aspirations to portray a powerful Black superhero, emphasizing the importance of showcasing Black excellence alongside his peers. Given the success of films like Black Panther, a narrative centered around Gotham’s most skilled assassin seems not only viable but also timely.
Reviving Deadshot in James Gunn’s DCU
Potential for a Spinoff in Gunn’s DCU
Similar to how other characters have seamlessly transitioned into the DCU, such as John Cena’s Peacemaker and Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller, there is every reason to believe that Will Smith’s Deadshot could receive his own dedicated film or series soon. The strong performance of villain-centric films, like Joker and the upcoming The Penguin, reinforces the belief that a Deadshot project could find an eager audience.
Importantly, the narrative groundwork exists for a Deadshot story. In Ayer’s Suicide Squad, a poignant flashback reveals how Deadshot’s intense animosity towards Batman stems from a confrontation in front of his daughter. This emotional backdrop would resonate well with James Gunn’s signature storytelling style, which often explores complex father-child dynamics, as seen in the Guardians of the Galaxy series. Additionally, the lack of direct references to Batman in the new timeline will not hinder Deadshot’s potential reintegration.
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