Idris Elba in Talks to Play Deadshot’ in James Gunn’s ‘The Suicide Squad’

Shortly after Will Smith departed the role of Deadshot in Suicide Squad, a new actor will be donning the assassin-for-hire’s suit. Idris Elba is set to make his jump from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the DC fore as he is currently in negotiations to star as Deadshot in the upcoming The Suicide Squad relaunch from James Gunn (via Variety).

Smith cited scheduling issues as his reason for making his exit. The previous Deadshot actor’s performance was met with rave reviews, citing him and Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn as the best character portrayals in an otherwise divisive film. Details about the actors set to join Elba are kept under wraps, although many are assuming that Robbie—who’s currently shooting Birds of Prey—will be back to reprise Harley Quinn.

The Suicide Squad is being branded as a “relaunch” after Gunn was handed the directing duties in January. The original 2016 film grossed $746 million worldwide, making it a box office hit despite poor reviews and critic consensus. And with the DC Extended Universe seeking to focus on standalone films, it would make sense for the studio to recast most of the characters for the upcoming relaunch.

Elba’s next slate of projects includes the Netflix series Turn Up Charlie, The Fast and the Furious spinoff Hobbs and Shaw, and the upcoming animated feature Cats, where he stars alongside Taylor Swift, James Corden, and Jennifer Hudson.

The Suicide Squad is scheduled for an August 6, 2021 release date.