The ensemble movie based on the cult classic DC comic is coming soon. The cast was decided a long time ago and the opinions have been flying with predictions about the various characters and their portrayals.
The process hasn't been an easy one. The character of Rick Flagg, the leader of the Suicide Squad and the liaison between the team and Amanda Waller, is set to be played by Joel Kinnaman of the Robo-Cop reboot. Kinnaman also costarred in the TV series The Killing, playing a dark-leaning, moody detective that held nothing but contempt for authority. This is one of the few good moves these folks have made.
Originally, the character was to be played by Tom Hardy, who dropped out of the movie for creative differences. This switch caused some upheaval, but ended up on a positive note. Unfortunately, the other decisions made by the top brass will end up leaving fans dissatisfied, and this group project will not come together as planned.
The ridiculous uncertainty going on behind the scenes on the Suicide Squad set is a symptom. It is a sign of the utter disorganization that has plagued this project from the very beginning. At this point, three different actors have been heavily favored to play the role, and all three have summarily been cast aside in doubt.
There were reports back in April of this year that the top brass had decided to pull the Deathstroke character out of the film all together. That has since been rescinded as unconfirmed. Shocking, I know. Why does it matter to the rest of us?
If the part of Deathstroke is so small and insignificant that they can simply pull it without any worry about affecting the plot, then the homage being paid to one of the most popular characters in DC comics is sorely inadequate. On the other hand, if the part is supposed to be significant, and they can't decide who is going to play the role, then does that mean they don't have the movie written yet? Either way, this is bad news from the inside out.
Will Smith is an A-List actor that has headlined plenty of movies on his own. His star power was supposed to help the movie by adding another big name to the credits. It looks as though that may backfire though. Deadshot was one of the leaders of the Suicide Squad. He was not the point man. He had a particular role on the team and he played it well.
Will Smith is anything but that, which means he won't be playing a minor role and that cool mask in the photo that is covering up his money-maker won't be seen much. Smith will end up with his face on the screen more than anyone else's, and it won't be covered up.
Smith is a warm, thoughtful character actor. He will not translate well into the role of a cold blooded assassin that kills because he is ordered to do so. This role is doomed to failure, and it may bring the rest of the movie down with it.
This looks like the biggest mistake that DC has made to date. The comics have made a definite impression on the superhero universe as to what the Joker is, and what he isn't. Leto has made one of the most cunning, most deadly and most ruthless villains of all time look like an extravagant psycho who enjoys killing for no reason.
In the sneak previews and clips that are circulating, the Joker has lost all sense of reason. He isn't simply crazy. He isn't simply brutal because he likes being brutal. He is cunning, intelligent and constantly plotting. He has a purpose.
The worst part about this awful casting is that it is basically a live hand grenade that can go off at any time and destroy the rest of the film. If the Joker portrayal is as bad as I believe it will be, then that will be what everyone remembers when they leave the theater. I wish the producers all of the luck in the cosmos"¦they will need it.
