HBO Max Boss Dodges Question About New Suicide Squad Show

By Aeron Mer Eclarinal Updated:
John Cena as Peacemaker, HBO Max logo, Suicide Squad

The Suicide Squad is filled with many interesting characters, giving it the potential to spin-off some of its anti-heroes into their own solo projects. John Cena's Peacemaker became the first member of Task Force X to receive such recognition, with the character's standalone adventure being set after the events of the James Gunn-directed DCEU movie. 

Peacemaker, which is currently streaming on HBO Max, revolves around Christopher Smith's origins and his mission with his new team that is tasked with fighting off alien invaders. While Peacemaker is gearing up for an explosive finale, the conversation about developing another spin-off based on the remaining Suicide Squad members gained steam.

At this point, Gunn had already debunked rumors of a series revolving around Idris Elba's Bloodsport, but he did tease that "there is a possibility" that fans may see the character again. 

Now, HBO Max's lead executive has addressed the possibility of another The Suicide Squad spin-off series coming to the streaming service. 

Will There Be a New Suicide Squad Spin-Off?

James Gunn, Suicide Squad
DC

HBO Max Chief Content Officer Casey Bloys sat down with Deadline during HBO and HBO Max’s Television Critics Association presentation to talk about Peacemaker's potential second season and developing another spinoff series from The Suicide Squad

Bloys first teased that Peacemaker's second season could arrive after its historic debut on HBO Max, admitting that he's "feeling good" since the show has been "doing great."

“I’m feeling good so stay tuned. The show has been doing great. Looking good.”

After Bloys' remarks, James Gunn and John Cena officially announced that the second season of Peacemaker is in the works. 

Beyond Peacemaker Season 2, Gunn has confirmed in past interviews that another The Suicide Squad spin-off is in development. 

“We’re working on something else now, another TV show that’s connected to that universe. I can’t quite say.”

When asked about the subject, the HBO Max executive stayed silent about it, pointing out that he doesn't "want to take anything away" from Gunn.

“I don’t want to take anything away from James. I think he has been such a terrific partner on the show, so I will let him talk about any plans he wants to share.”

HBO Max Presents Many Opportunities for The Suicide Squad 

Casey Bloys' comment about the current state of the other planned DCEU spinoff is clearly a sign of respect toward James Gunn, further cementing the strong working relationship between HBO Max and The Suicide Squad filmmaker. 

This isn't the first time that Gunn and HBO Max's working relationship has been highlighted. While celebrating Peacemaker's filming wrap in July 2021, Gunn revealed that the series evolved from a "vague pitch" to a fully-filmed project in an astounding 11 months, meaning that the higher-ups have faith in the director. 

At the end of The Suicide Squad, Task Force X was reduced to five members, namely Bloodsport, Ratcatcher 2, King Shark, Harley Quinn, and Peacemaker. Considering the remaining ensemble, minus Peacemaker, Bloodsport, and presumably, Harley Quinn (who could be saved for another big-screen outing), Ratcatcher 2 and King Shark serve as the likely candidates to receive their own spin-off series. 

The Suicide Squad teased that Daniela Melchior's Ratcatcher 2 had a rich backstory to explore if the opportunity presented itself to fully explore her origins. This could also allow other characters such as Taika Waititi's original Ratcatcher to appear in flashbacks while also setting the stage for a team-up with Idris Elba's Bloodsport. 

It is unknown if King Shark could receive his own spin-off, but it's safe to assume that the character could pop up in other series such as Peacemaker and the other planned series. 

All in all, signs indicate that more characters from The Suicide Squad will be back sooner rather than later. 

Peacemaker's Season 1 finale will premiere on HBO Max this Thurday.

- About The Author: Aeron Mer Eclarinal
Aeron is a news/features writer and Content Lead for The Direct who has been working for the site since March 2020. From writing about the inter-connectivity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to having an extended knowledge about DC TV's Arrowverse, Aeron's expertise has since expanded into the realm of reality TV, K-drama, animated, and live-action shows from Netflix,  Disney+, Prime Video, MGM+, Peacock, Paramount+, and Max. When he isn't writing and watching all things MCU, Aeron is heavily invested with the NBA (go Celtics!) and occasionally watches thrilling matches in the WWE.