Undeterred by scathing reviews and a less-than-stellar box office haul, Warner Bros. has officially jump-started pre-production on Suicide Squad 2, effectively sending the Internet into a tailspin in the process.
Amid last night’s hullabaloo, Hacksaw Ridge director Mel Gibson emerged as an early frontrunner to take the reins, with additional reports revealing that the likes of Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland), Jonathan Levine (Warm Bodies), and Daniel Espinosa (Life) have also cropped up on the studio’s preliminary shortlist. It’s early, early days, but Variety reporter Justin Kroll has provided some context to the ongoing situation, noting that, as of now, Gibson is Warner’s first choice to helm Suicide Squad 2, and that the sequel is essentially his, should he sign along the dotted line.
The Aussie actor-director-writer later confirmed his interest (via Batman-News), comparing those initial negotiations to a “first date.” Last night, THR stressed that neither party has committed to anything in an official capacity, lending Mel Gibson the opportunity to familiarize himself with Task Force X and their wicked ways. The two-time Oscar-winner, who is up for Best Director at this month’s 89th Academy Awards, has shown remarkable prowess behind the lens over the years, and though his name was marred in controversy circa 2010, it’s fair to say that Gibson has turned a corner – professionally, at least.
Here’s the latest, courtesy of Variety’s Justin Kroll:
Couple updates on the SUICIDE SQUAD director search since I posted after a few calls. First if Mel wants it, it's his.
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) February 16, 2017
Will and Mel actually wanted to do THE ACCOUNTANT years ago but old regime didn't want Mel but shows how much Mel want to work with Will
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) February 16, 2017
That said still ways away from decision on this, stay tuned
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) February 16, 2017
Out of the current shortlist, Mel Gibson is officially the hot-tipped favorite to direct Suicide Squad 2 for Warner. Of the other three filmmakers in contention for the gig, one would assume that Jonathan Levine will exit the race early on, given the writer-director also passed up Doctor Strange and Spider-Man: Homecoming. Can either Fleischer or Espinosa pip Gibson at the post? We’ll keep you posted as this story develops.
