The Suicide Squad: Jai Courtney Claims James Gunn Film Is Not a Strict Sequel to 2016 Original

By Aeron Mer Eclarinal Updated:
Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang

The Suicide Squad is set to introduce a whole new version of Task Force X into the DCEU. Directed by Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn, the hybrid reboot/sequel is bannered by an impressive cast with returning DCEU veterans such as Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, and Jai Courtney being joined by newcomers John Cena, Idris Elba, and many more.

While plot details for The Suicide Squad are still being kept under wraps, the sneak peek from DC FanDome and interviews from cast members teased that the film will have insane sequences, seemingly hinting that it will have an R-rating when it premieres on the silver screen.

Not only that, Alice Braga, who plays Sor Soria in the film, previously shared that the DCEU film will portray women in "a powerful way." This essentially means that Gunn is trying to balance representation and hard-hitting action in The Suicide Squad .

Now, another interview with one of the film's star may shed some light on how The Suicide Squad will be a unique DCEU film.

NEWS

While speaking with Collider , Captain Boomerang actor Jai Courtney shared interesting tidbits about 2021's The Suicide Squad . The Honest Thief actor admitted that the James Gunn-directed film is "not necessarily even a strict sequel" while also revealing that "it cracked things open" for the future of the franchise:

“It’s a big-ass movie again, as was the first. It’s cool to see a bunch of new characters and characters [Gunn has] plucked from the depths of the canon, which is cool and just kind of different and interesting. James like creatures and monsters and things as well. I felt like there was an injection of that kind of stuff with this take on it. It’s very funny. It’s what you’ve come to expect from this kind of film. People are going to have a great time with it. it’s sad to see some of my castmates not involved, but I'm so thrilled to welcome a whole bunch more in. And I think it frees up the direction in which this franchise can take. It cracked things open in a way that we now won’t know what to expect from the next time. That’s cool for something like Suicide Squad. It’s not necessarily even a strict sequel, is the truth. It’s different, man, but people are gonna’ have a ball with it. I hope it’s massively successful.”

WHAT THIS MEANS

Jai Courtney's exciting comments about The Suicide Squad align with the earlier praise from his co-stars about the film. The consistent expression of excitement and hype about James Gunn's vision should dial up the hype for The Suicide Squad even further.

It's important to note that Jai Courtney was one of the holdovers from the 2016 film, and his note about The Suicide Squad not being a strict sequel should pose intrigue. Ever since it was announced that Gunn will helm the DCEU film, the big question from fans has been whether or not the upcoming installment is a reboot or a sequel.

The confusion dialed up even further when conflicting pieces of evidence showed up, such as when producer Peter Safran revealed that the film is a "total reboot" while the presence of some of the main cast from the 2016 film could prove otherwise. Despite this, Courtney's claim that this film is not a strict sequel should serve as a hint that The Suicide Squad is further shying away from the 2016 version.

The added intrigue about the true placement of The Suicide Squad is another selling point for fans to watch the film when it eventually releases. It seems likely that everyone will find out if this is a reboot or sequel when The Suicide Squad finally addresses it during the film.

Whatever the case, Courtney's comments about The Suicide Squad present an exciting narrative possibility once the film releases, currently set to hit theaters on August 6, 2021.

- About The Author: Aeron Mer Eclarinal

MCU and STAR WARS Writer