6 Villains Who Could Be In Suicide Squad 2 (And 3 That Are Confirmed for The Sequel)

Suicide Squad is sometimes regarded as the weakest link of the DCEU line-up, but hype for the follow-up has been burning hot ever since James Gunn took over the project. While many would probably prefer to see James Gunn helm Guardians of the Galaxy 3 for Marvel, fans seem eager to see what Gunn will bring to this supervillain team-up film.

However, the roster of the upcoming Suicide Squad 2 is mostly a mystery. Presumably, some villains will return while others won't. And while we all mourn the lack of Slipknot in this sequel (he remains the most vital member of the Suicide Squad team, after all), we need to look ahead to which villains may appear in Suicide Squad 2...and which ones will be for sure making an appearance.

(Confirmed) Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn in birds of prey holding a drink and wearing streamers on her arms

If any character is confirmed, it's Harley Quinn. Despite some uncertainty about Harley appearing in Suicide Squad 2, it seems all but confirmed now the ever popular Harley Quinn will be returning to the sequel. This is probably for the best. Harley Quinn is an incredibly interesting character with a lot of room to grow.

Plus, in the hands of James Gunn, she might be written as a truly complex, fascinating character. Margot Robbie's performance remained the standout of the original film. Given the right script (as she may also be given in Birds of Prey in 2020), Harley may end up one of the most iconic anti-heroes in superhero cinema.

(Could) Black Manta

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's performance as Black Manta in Aquaman was, like Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, an absolute standout. While Manta may be obsessed with getting his revenge against Arthur Curry, Amanda Waller may recruit this expert pirate who can go fist-to-fist with the King of Atlantis for some insidious purpose.

More Black Manta can only be a good thing, as it will allow this incredible villain more chances to fight. Furthermore, as a returning villain from another DCEU franchise, it can give Suicide Squad 2 the chance to add layers to another pre-established character.

(Could) Captain Cold

Captain Cold isn't really evil, but he is a career criminal. He has standards. He works well with a team. And, like Captain Boomerang before him in the original Suicide Squad, he is enemies with The Flash.

The Flash movie has enough problems getting off the ground. It would be a wise idea to introduce Captain Cold in Suicide Squad 2, only to incorporate him later into The Flash. After all, it can save time introducing an all-new villain in the already troubled film.

Furthermore, Captain Cold is just a great villain. A team player who prioritizes the objective, but gets along great with his teammates. It would be rewarding to see a villain who isn't really that bad a guy to his teammates.

(Could) Parasite

Parasite is a slightly more obscure villain. One of the Man of Steel's adversaries, Parasite is a grotesque monster who feeds on the life energy of those around him, gaining their powers and memories in the process.

Parasite could serve a useful purpose, especially if Suicide Squad 2 puts the villains in a scenario where they need to gather information. Parasite is at once monstrous and human. He can occupy a very unique niche in the film. Furthermore, it would be nice to introduce a villain here who goes toe-to-toe with Superman rather than, say, another Batman villain.

(Confirmed) Amanda Waller

Amanda Waller is the head of the Suicide Squad. By the very nature of this film, it's clear she will be occupying a role in this film to some capacity.

Again, Waller was a highlight of the original Suicide Squad, but, in the hands of Gunn, Waller can become the sort of character you'd believe can challenge wits with Batman and intimidate Superman. She is just a human, but commands such a presence. It's only logical she'd be the binding force for the team. However, the real test will be how Gunn uses Waller in the film... and to what ends....

(Could) Poison Ivy

DC Universe Harley Quinn Show Poison Ivy Harley Quinn Batman

Harley Quinn can use a girlfriend.

Suicide Squad established that Harley Quinn loves The Joker, but fans of the comics know this relationship is incredibly toxic and dangerous. Harley Quinn, however, does have another partner she is quite close to -- and that's Poison Ivy.

If James Gunn wanted to do something truly special, he'd use Suicide Squad 2 as a vehicle to further remove Harley from her toxic relationship with the Joker (again, as it seems Birds of Prey will be doing as well), and moving her in with one Poison Ivy. It would be good to see a positive relationship form on this team, considering none of the Squad wants to be there (as evidenced by the bombs in their head).

Plus, Poison Ivy is SUCH a unique, wonderful villain in her own right. Her twisted eco-terrorism and feminism make for a compelling motivation. And she's a fan-favorite, to boot.

(Could) Cheetah

Cheetah will be making her first appearance in Wonder Woman 1984, as played Kristen Wiig. While no one knows what will happen in that film (yet), it would be a shame to never use Cheetah again after her initial appearance.

While we have yet to see Cheetah, it would be fascinating to see her return with a whole bunch of new characters. Seeing her interact and behave among villainous peers would be cool, but even more interesting would be to see what this no-doubt brilliant character will do when placed in a modern setting.

(Could) Bane

The Man Who Broke the Bat, Bane remains one of the most popular DC Villains around. While Tom Hardy's performance remains a standout, it's also pretty clear that The Dark Knight Rises' Bane was far removed from his Venom-infused counterpart from the comics.

Bane is a master strategist, a powerhouse, but also a man on a mission: break the Bat. It would be curious to see if Bane somehow uses this chance on the Squad to further his own agendas.

Also, this could be a good chance for them to open up the possibility of making a Secret Six film, as Bane was a core member of Gail Simone's iconic run on Secret Six.

(Confirmed) Deadshot

Will Smith remains one of the most iconic superstars around. Will Smith was confirmed for Suicide Squad 2 the moment it came out. He has had a huge impact on the project since its initial announcement and remains omnipresent throughout all discussions of the film.

Deadshot remains one of the best assassins in the DCEU, right up there with Deathstroke. Until Slade Wilson has his day (maybe even in this film?), Deadshot remains the premiere gun-for-hire around.

It is unlikely we will see the entire original Suicide Squad return in this sequel. However, the core trinity of characters remains Quinn, Waller, and Deadshot. Despite all of the original Suicide Squad's issues (of which there are many), these three are not among them. If anyone is to return to join up with the Suicide Squad, it's these three.