Following the success of Skyfall and the debatable, Spectre, Daniel Craig did not renew his contract for his next bond film, sending fans of the franchise speculating who the next best actor to embody the role may be. Of course, everyone had their favorites, from Cillian Murphy to Tom Hiddleston, to Game of Thrones star, Richard Madden and to the actor who has halted the apocalypse in Pacific Rim, Idris Elba.
Elba was the most popular choice as fans were ready to embrace a more non-traditional casting. But as it is, he was indeed cast. But not for the role that most were hoping for, but for another character, who like Bond, is a sharpshooter and does not miss. He now joins the DCEU, or the World of DC in the cinematic incarnation of Deadshot in the upcoming film, Suicide Squad 2.
Elba is in, Smith is out.
While Will Smith’s original casting also meant diversifying the character of Floyd Lawton himself, movie goers then didn’t feel that he brought anything in to the movie in general. In fact, for hard core fans, the movie was another letdown from the DCEU. I personally didn’t feel it was that bad. It always helps when one’s expectations are lowered. Not because I knew it was going to be bad but because this band of ragtag criminals turned reluctant heroes were not in my mainstream radar. Suffice to say that while Guardians of the Galaxy were also a risk for Marvel, it helped that they had a great script and a fresh approach to the genre, thanks to James Gunn, who now happens to be with the DCEU.
I know I’m not supposed to use it as it’s not an official term that DC films has approved, but it is the encompassing term that netizens have embraced and used in reference to the cinematic worlds that DC has introduced and continues to refine. So if I use it, as it’s easier on the eyes and on the tongue, so bear with me. Plus DCEU and MCU, sound so similar and so inclusive of what both companies have been trying to do, with Marvel having head start and still doing a good job at it.
Here’s a backgrounder on the character of Deadshot. He’s an assassin for hire, mostly associated with Batman and his gallery of rogues, boasts that he has NEVER missed a shot. Normally portrayed as a villain, some would consider him as an anti-hero. He has already been played on TV series, Arrow by the actor, Michael Rowe.
Suicide Squad 2 is scheduled to be released on August 6, 2021. James Gunn now slated to be the new director, will offer more of a followup/soft reboot with new characters coming in like Ratcatcher, King Shark, Polka-Dot Man and Peacemaker.
In addendum, Daniel Craig will still be Bond for the 25th, untitled Bond film. It will be his last.
