Idris Elba Said To Be Playing Deathstroke In The Suicide Squad

When James Gunn said that he’s already assembled his own version of Task Force X for The Suicide Squad, he wasn’t kidding. Not only are Margot Robbie and Jai Courtney returning as Harley Quinn and Captain Boomerang, respectively, but we’ll also see newcomers such as John Cena’s Peacemaker and David Dastmalchian’s Polka Dot Man added to the equation. And if that weren’t enough, Guardians of the Galaxy and Walking Dead veteran Michael Rooker will play the brutish King Shark!

Another variable fans everywhere have been wondering about is that of another Marvel Cinematic Universe transplant, Idris Elba. Originally, it was said that he’d replace Will Smith as Deadshot, but then it was revealed the former Heimdall will inhabit the role of an entirely different character.

Now, thanks to podcaster Robbie Fox, we may know who that’ll be – and it’s supposedly Deathstroke. Here’s what he had to say in a recent Tweet:

“Hearing some veeeeeery interesting whispers about Idris Elba’s character in James Gunn’s ‘The Suicide Squad’. Wouldn’t it be awesome if he were playing DEATHSTROKE?”

Let it also be known that the last sentence was accompanied by a winking smiley face, so Fox is strongly implying that Elba is Deathstroke. Of course, you’re advised to take this with a grain of salt and regard it as rumor for the time being, though it’s also worth noting how Geeks Worldwide mentioned this possibility in a recent report of their own.

If proven true, this would mean Joe Manganiello is out as Slade Wilson. Either way, replacing one top notch assassin with another would make a ton of sense. And though Deathstroke isn’t as frequently associated with the Suicide Squad as Deadshot, let’s not forget his inclusion in The New Suicide Squad during the days of the New 52.

The Suicide Squad arrives in theaters on August 6th, 2021.