[Needless to say, potential SPOILERS for Suicide Squad ahead]
One thing is clear about Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment's take on Suicide Squad: it's going to be a change of pace from the usual comic book blockbuster. There's action, sure, and more than a few laughs and CG-heavy jaw-droppers, but from the official posters to the movie's first trailer, the rebellious spirit at its heart shines through everything else. And the brand new trailer is no exception.
Set to the tune of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," the latest full length trailer reveals more laughs, more action, and more hints at the actual plot that will be putting the main cast's lives in danger. Between the quick cuts and all the excitement, however, there's a good chance that the smaller moments, teases, and surprising (potential) reveals about the enemies of the movie may have managed to sneak by some viewers.
To make sure that every one of those details is caught, appreciated, and debated by the fans, we've broken down the biggest moments of the trailer in our following analysis.
Site Bravo
It's fair to say that audiences will be more interested in the characters inside the prison uniforms than the writing on them, but one secret of production seems to be answered by the inmates' clothing. The stamped writing clearly marks them as detainees of "Site Bravo" - apparently the codename for Bell Reve prison. The name itself doesn't reveal a ton about the story, but it explains why director David Ayer chose the name "Bravo 14" for the production title of the film. The number still requires some explanation, but the codename simply states that the movie's story begins at the same site.
Killer Croc's Cell
The idea that Amanda Waller's Belle Reve prison would be your typical correctional facility went out the window with the first glimpse of Killer Croc's (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) living quarters. Forget four concrete walls and a stiff cot: the cannibal inmate has a surprisingly well-tailored cell, complete with what looks to be an open sewer (that, unsurprisingly, comes in handy when ambushing prison guards later in the trailer). We won't ask about what look to be entrails and bones used for decoration, and instead will simply chalk it up to the fact that keeping a bloodthirsty inmate in check means feeding his hunger (assuming this version of the villain is in line with his comic book counterpart).
Flame On
After Warner Bros. seemed to favor a grounded take on superheroes with Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy, and Man of Steel tried to take the same realistic approach to alien warfare, the prospect of supernatural characters like Enchantress or El Diablo (Jay Hernandez) seemed cloudy. The first assumption was that the heroes would be slightly tweaked, but this trailer confirms that Diablo will be a full blown pyromancer - not only setting his hand on fire, but unleashing powerful flame attacks at long distance. How magic is going to be introduced into the DCEU remains to be seen, but judging by his waterlogged cell, the authorities are already one step ahead of supernatural criminals, not just highly-trained killers.
Joker Was Here
The soundtrack of the trailer is hard to ignore, so it's possible fans might miss another small touch in the opening seconds of the trailer. The Warner Bros. and DC Comics logos got a unique animation in the movie's first trailer, but this time around, they've been downright sabotaged. It seems to be the Joker's handiwork, breaking certain letters, and offering a far rougher, and less educated spelling. Apparently, not even the studio can manage to contain the Clown Prince of Crime.
Alpha 01
After rumors claimed that Ike Barinholtz (Neighbors) had been cast in the movie as classic Batman maniac Dr. Hugo Strange, it's nice to see that a far more fitting role has been assigned to the actor. That isn't to say that Barinholtz's comedy skills couldn't have tackled the part, but we're more interested to see him as what appears to be a chief tormentor of Belle Reve's inmates. With the designation "Alpha 01," and being shown not only beating a subdued Deadshot (Will Smith) but roughly removing El Diablo from his cell, it looks like Barinholtz's unnamed guard takes a certain kind of pleasure in making these twisted criminals' lives a bit harder. Unfortunately for him, a later shot shows he may get what's coming to him...
Killer Surgery?
As comic book fans know, Amanda Waller's bargain with her skilled inmates - complete a suicide mission, and have your charges erased - doesn't operate on the honor system. In fact, Waller prefers the most definite form of insurance possible: an explosive planted in the criminals' heads. If they keep to the mission, then she'll hold up her end of the deal. If they decide to run, then she makes sure they'll never make trouble for her again (by killing them remotely). It would appear that the scene above is the surgery which plants the aforementioned explosives in the Squad's heads, and since it's Killer Croc being wheeled to the operating suite, we don't envy the doctors.
Australian Mail?
This isn't a pivotal plot point, or even a potential glimpse into Suicide Squad's story, just a joke so outrageous, it's hard to overlook. While the villains like Deadshot and Harley Quinn are transported to what looks to be a forward army base, the rabid Boomerang (Jai Courtney) is a different story. His sudden rush at the nearest soldier may distract viewers from his own method of transport: what appears to be an Australia Post mailbag. Either the guards have a sense of humor, and decided to transport the raging Aussie like so much bulk cargo, or - and we desperately hope this is the case - he was shipped to their destination from his homeland. Unlikely, fine - but this movie hasn't exactly been predictable.
June Moon
The other surprise member of the DCEU's magical cast, June Moon a.k.a. Enchantress (Cara Delevingne), also gets a bit more time in the spotlight in the new trailer, beginning with an appearance on the side of Task Force X (the official name for Amanda Waller's outfit), accompanying Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman). Flag's assessment of her own status (that she's "possessed by a witch") helps fans continue to fill in the gaps in her role. In the comics, the Enchantress was a separate entity from June Moon, able to be called forth by shouting her name, granting her magical powers. But when Enchantress refused to give up control, things got ugly, fast. And considering where Enchantress - in her full, smoking costume - winds up in later shots, the same will be true here.
Killer Croc's Close-Up
He may not have the same name recognition as Joker or Harley Quinn, but the design of this live-action Killer Croc deserves to be singled out. In the comics, Waylon Jones is the original name of the man who, due either to genetic faults or a skin condition, becomes more monster than human, taking the name of 'Killer Croc' (and a taste for human flesh, along with it). The trailer gives the best look yet at the practical makeup, hoping to deliver a more convincing creature than CG wizardy. The results look promising, with the eyes and teeth giving actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje a real shot to convey emotion from beneath the prosthetics. If nothing else, it proves that movie fans really shouldn't judge a makeup based on candid set photos.
Slipknot
Fans of third-tier DC Comics characters will be thrilled to see that master of ropes, Slipknot (Adam Beach) doesn't just get a bit more attention in the second trailer, but a truly memorable moment. Sure, it's because he lays out a female FBI agent with a single punch, but... that's clearly the kind of unconventional humor/character building we've come to expect from a tale of antagonists. Since Slipknot makes Killer Croc seem like a celebrity by comparison, fans have long suspected that it will be Slipknot who proves the "suicide" moniker true first. An example of the explosive punishment in store for the Squad is usually required, and since Slipknot hasn't been heavily featured in marketing, he's emerged as the prime candidate. But that's just a theory; Slipknot could prove to be the real hero of the movie.
Ground Zero Goo?
When the Squad (and Flag's men) mount up and head into their mission in the fictional Midway City, it's obvious they're not dealing with your typical brand of terrorism or supervillainy. Overlooking the fact that the above pile of goo may have been a military Humvee at one point, the markings on the nearby Dunkin Donuts are just as telling. The shorthand graffiti has become more popular with the rise of zombie fiction, used by authorities to signal others of casualties, or dates of inspection in epidemics, contagion outbreaks, or the zombie apocalypse. Since the walking undead horde seems like too much of a leap for the DCEU, something else is to blame. And once the trailer reaches its crescendo, fans may get to see who... or what... is really responsible.
The Joker's Toys
There's no such thing as too many looks at Jared Leto's Joker, and the new trailer offers plenty - one of which sees Mr. J. getting rough with one of his presumed playthings, but never dropping the sweet excitement that is already promising one seriously unsettling villain. The sides of meat hanging in the background don't bode well for the Joker's latest target, but a close look suggests that the man may be Ike Barinholtz's "Alpha 01." If that's the case, then it's possible the Joker has crossed paths with his vindictive methods before. That, or, perhaps more likely, Joker is taking some revenge on the man who abused his beloved 'Puddin.' Either way, Alpha 01 is treated to the first of what will hopefully be many nods to previous Jokers, citing his "toys" as a possible callback to Jack Nicholson's use of the same term in Batman (1989).
Classic Wardrobe
Jared Leto proves that he can be truly disgusting as Joker (and the metal teeth don't hurt), grimacing to the camera in a flurry of fast cuts of action. It comes and goes so quickly, and his face is so distracting, some might miss the obvious easter egg in his wardrobe. Any truly formal occasion demands a tuxedo - or in this case, a tailcoat - but the white tie and carnation capping off the look has to be a reference to one famous image of Joker and Harley Quinn, painted by noted comic artist Alex Ross. To date, it's been the purples of Joker's comic book closet that the filmmakers have paid homage to, but it's nice to see that some formal wear is also on tap (and could Harley Quinn be joining him to complete the easter egg?).
Mr. Frost
After being rumored for the role of Deathstroke (at the same time Barinholtz was claimed to be Strange), it turned out to be a much less pivotal role... and a far less glorious one for actor Jim Parrack (Fury). Instead of a trained assassin, Parrack looks to be playing trained muscle as Jonny Frost, Joker's henchman/driver/gunner. The "Mr. Frost" name on his sleeve confirms that's his role in Suicide Squad, but it's unclear if his gunfire is responsible for knocking the Squad's chopper out of the sky. Considering the location of that sequence, and the JSF (Joker Security Force?) patch on his arm, this single shot may imply a connection between Joker, and the disasters which befall the Squad.
The Enchantress Goes to Washington
Exactly how Enchantress fits into the story isn't clear just yet (she's absent from the shots and sequences showing the Squad in the field), but if we assume that the dark, dusty, and quietly menacing form seen above is the Enchantress side of June Moon, then her suggestion - "let's do something fun" - could spell serious trouble. The screen in the background bears the insignia of The White House, and it only takes one look at this creature to know that her idea of "fun" is probably not going to be what anyone else would consider recreational. Again, it's all speculation; June could still be on the side of good, with the "witch" possessing her just covering the appearance.
Katana's Ghostly Blade
Samurai swords are nothing new to fans of martial arts films or comic books, but the one wielded by Katana (Karen Fukuhara) is one of a kind. Known as the 'Soultaker' sword, the blade has the mystical ability to absorb every soul whose life it has ever taken. How does that work in a fight? Well, it's still a sword, and Katana will probably use it as exactly that. But this one shot reveals how the filmmakers will be showing the souls contained within Soultaker, as spectral skulls radiating off of the blade like heat. And if you're wondering whether the sword can serve any other function, we'll get to that a moment...
Katana's Power
If that weren't enough, Katana is also able to commune with any of the spirits residing in her blade. In the trailer, it looks like she's doing exactly that, with her eyes fading from almost entirely white to completely black to show the link has been made. At least, we hope that's what we're watching. But in any comic book movie, mind control is always a risk. Still, communicating with the souls inside her sword seems right on point for the other mystic and supernatural characters of the movie.
Flag's Mystery Men
The member of the cast who has had the most rumors surrounding them may be Scott Eastwood, who, officially, isn't playing any specific character from DC Comics history. According to his costume, his name in the film is simply "GQ," even if some fan theories refuse to accept that he isn't a pivotal hero or villain in waiting. As if to keep those fire burning, Eastwood makes a brief appearance or two as one of Rick Flag's team. But don't look for any hints at his character's "true" identity - if they exist, they're yet to drop.
Deadshot's Wrist Guns
Batman has his Batarangs, Catwoman has her whip, Green Arrow has his... arrows, and Deadshot has his wrist-mounted firearms. Although they began as weapons of imagination in the pages of DC Comics, the firearms team for Suicide Squad has come through with flying colors. Will Smith seems to be wielding the wrist-mounted guns with precision, bringing to life one scene that fans of the ruthless assassin have been hoping to see adapted to the big screen for years. But it's hard to know if he has enough ammo to stop what's coming his way.
Enemy Soldiers
A super-team of criminals, killers and crazies obviously need enemies to battle, and this trailer gave the first extensive look at the guilty parties. It's hard to know what to make of the soldiers, since they appear to be wearing body armor, but it's their faces that are the most suspicious. The black, bubbly skin and aggressive rage seems to suggest that an infection or plague actually could be to blame, sending any person too close to the outbreak into a running, shooting, bubbling mess.
One Big Monster?
One shot was going to take us totally by surprise, and it's the one embedded above, showing an over-the-shoulder view of an unknown creature slamming a tentacle(?) through an oncoming subway train? The sequence is interspersed throughout the remaining bits of the trailer, showing what looks to be a green, glowing, monstrous being marching down the train tracks, wrecking everything in its path. Without any warning or rumors, it's impossible to know just what to make of it. The tentacles seem to match the kind of destruction seen on the Humvee earlier, but more information will be needed before we try to explain an more.
The Birth of Harley Quinn
Batman fans are used to seeing Joker take a dive into a vat of chemicals before he became the green haired, white skinned weirdo we all know and love. So seeing Leto's fully-formed Joker diving into the same vat seems out of place. Until it's revealed that he's headed in not for his own transformation, but, presumably, Harley Quinn's. The scene perfectly mirrors the New 52 origin of Harley, where Joker slowly manipulated her to his way of thinking, before tossing her into the same chemicals that created his twisted mind, and seeing Harley Quinn emerge. Going by the rest of the trailer, we would say it worked perfectly.
A Touch of Latin
The last laugh of the trailer goes to Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) who, after smashing a designer store window to steal a purse, explains that the cast is just a group of "bad guys. This is what we do." But there's a secret message hiding in plain sight. Take a closer look at the mannequin in the store, and you'll see the same Latin phrase repeated over and over: "si vis pacem para bellum." Translated, the phrase means "if you want peace, prepare for war." Somehow, we think that the conspiring, morally questionable Amanda Waller would absolutely agree.
Don't Go Into The Light
Fans can give their very best ideas of what's being shown in the image above, because we haven't got a clue. The location looks to be the same one that characters are shown fighting in earlier in the trailer, but the massive rift of energy, and the glowing, possibly multi-limbed enemies surrounding it are something completely new.
Those are all the need-to-know details, plot hints and explanations we can think of, but be sure to share your own reactions and theories in the comments below!
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Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will see theatrical release on March 25th, 2016, followed by Suicide Squad on August 5th, 2016; Wonder Woman on June 23rd, 2017; Justice League Part One on November 17th, 2017; The Flash on March 23rd, 2018; Aquaman on July 27th, 2018; Shazam on April 5th, 2019; Justice League Part Two on June 14th, 2019; Cyborg on April 3rd, 2020; and Green Lantern on June 19th, 2020. The Superman and Batman solo films have release dates TBD.