Mel Gibson Is In Early Talks To Direct Suicide Squad 2

IMAGE VIA BATMAN NEWS

Before I went to bed last night (15th February) some major DC news dropped as Warner Bros are in early talks with Mel Gibson to direct Suicide Squad 2.

Not going to lie, I was pretty surprised when Deadline dropped the story when they reported Gibson has joined the cast of Daddy’s Home 2.

The main reason I was surprised was previous the Oscar-winning director has talked about his hatred for comic book/superhero films singling out Batman v Superman calling it a “piece of shit”.

The Hollywood Reporter and Variety revealed more info about what they’ve heard.

According to THR, Warner Bro is after Gibson for the sequel and their sources are saying the actor-director “is familiarising himself with the material. But the studio is not being passive and is also looking at other directors, Daniel Espinosa among them.”

Variety’s sources also revealed as well as Gibson and Safe House director Espinosa, WB is looking at Zombieland’s Ruben Fleischer and Jonathan Levine, who directed Warm Bodies.

“The list could grow and that there is no front-runner at the moment” their insiders added.

IMAGE VIA CLAY ENOS/ WARNER BROS

A few hours ago over in the States, Gibson was at a screening for his Oscar-nominated film Hacksaw Ridge and during the Q&A, the moderated asked him “So is this getting close to a deal or is it a first date [talking about meeting WB about Suicide Squad 2]?

“It’s kind of a first date,” Gibson replied.

Then Variety’s film reporter Justin Kroll tweeted this:

Couple updates on the SUICIDE SQUAD director search since I posted after a few calls. First if Mel wants it, it's his.

— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) 16 February 2017

Will and Mel actually wanted to do THE ACCOUNTANT years ago but old regime didn't want Mel but shows how much Mel want to work with Will

— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) 16 February 2017

To people bitching about “why is Suicide Squad getting a sequel?” well the film, despite the mixed reactions from critics and fans, made over $700 million! Of course, there was going to be a sequel.

IMAGE VIA EW/ CLAY ENOS/ WARNER BROS

Again, my surprise comes to the studio even looking at him after his comments and there’s no beating around the bush, he’s an arsehole of a person and wouldn’t want to spend a long time with him.

However, has a director he’s world class. He’s won Best Director and Best Picture Oscars for Braveheart and has been nominated in the same categories for Hacksaw Ridge. Meanwhile, Apocalypto is very highly praised by critics.

Ultimately, I don’t see him taking on helming the project. I think someone like Fleischer or Levine could sign on the dotted line.

On the other hand, if does take it on Warner Bros will have to let him tell the story he wants to tell and direct the film he wants and this would be a major statement from the studio.