It was likely enough of an announcement to get Suicide Squad fans happy when Warner Bros. and DC Comics announced that the big screen adaptation would be hitting theaters just months after Batman V Superman. With writer/director David Ayer (Fury) on board and the studio apparently courting some A-list stars, it's seemed (at least early on) that Squad could be a surprising project to all concerned. Now, the first rumors have surfaced of just who the studio is looking to for its central villain.
From the outset, even defining the 'villain' of a movie like Suicide Squad is a tricky task, with the team itself composed of incarcerated villains and killers. Whatever villain or target WB has in mind, it seems that model/actress/singer Cara Delevingne (Anna Karenina, Pan) is being eyed to play it.
That's according to a report from Latino-Review, with sources indicating the English actress being "seriously" look at by those in charge of casting. Delevingne may be a lesser-known name than the likes of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling (also rumored for the film), but her star is most certainly on the rise, with roles in the star-studded Tulip Fever and London Fields, and the Hugh Jackman-led Peter Pan re-imagining likely to establish her in North America before long.
It should be emphasized that at this point, there is no information on just who within the DC Comics universe is being planned as the film's villain, if it will even be an existing character chosen for the role. Even if WB is making their commitment clear by seeking established stars, the rumored cast of characters has now been all but tossed, with Ayer presumed free to make changes that only a critical hit like Fury can afford. To say the studio is relying on a hit would be an understatement, but there's no doubt that will hinge on the main characters more than the target they'll be given.
The rumor comes hot on the heels of word that DC and WB might be looking to work Batman V Superman's Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) into Suicide Squad, so if merging movie properties is a priority, it stands to reason that this film's villain could be expected to maker a return appearance. Showing just how little is known about Suicide Squad (both before and after Ayer was attached), it's all speculation at this point.
We have no doubts that Suicide Squad could be a successful franchise, but that's due mainly to the strength of the premise and colorful cast - not its villain. Still, it's interesting to see a young actress being sought for a villainous role against a truly intimidating task force. With no shortage of villainous women who defy expectations to draw upon, which DC Comics character would you like to see an actress like Delevingne play?
[Update: Cara Delevingne has officially been cast as Enchantress in Suicide Squad]
Suicide Squad will be in theaters on August 5, 2016.
Follow me on Twitter @andrew_dyce for Suicide Squad updates, as well as TV movie and gaming news.
Source: Latino-Review