Deadshot (Will Smith)
First appearing in Batman #59 in 1950, Deadshot originally arrived in Gotham as a vigilante and tried to replace Batman. However, the Dark Knight and Commissioner Gordon apprehended him during his attempt to become leader of the criminal elements of the city. Between incarcerations, Deadshot operates as an assassin for hire, and is the world’s deadliest marksman.
His origin story in his early comic book days acknowledge the psychological trauma that was caused by having accidentally killed his brother with a gun, while trying to stop his abusive father from attacking him. This childhood event is used to explain, to a certain extent, why Deadshot – whose real name is Floyd Lawton – is not truly suicidal, but has a desire to be killed at the hands of another, in some way.
His murderous nature is driven entirely by money – if he is not being paid, he does not kill – and his conscience often threatened to return after he discovered the existence of his child. His son, Eddie was ultimately murdered, but he also finds that he has a daughter. His origin story was drastically altered in DC’s New 52 reboot – along with the majority of other characters – and these changes essentially erased his son from existence, while his daughter remained.
His rebooted story had him jailed after Batman foiled a plan to assassinate a U.S Senator. It was during this imprisonment that he was recruited for Suicide Squad. His membership of the team often pitted him against Captain Boomerang, and he has also been known to be in conflict with The Joker. However, his marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat skills, his range of weaponry and his tactical skills make him a formidable foe.
Deadshot will be familiar to fans of Smallville and Arrow, having been portrayed by Bradley Stryker in the former, and Michael Roe in the latter. He has also been voiced in animation by Michael Rosenbaum, Tom Kenny, Jim Meskimen, Neal McDonough and Chris Cox.
