Rick Flag

Played by Ted Whittall, Rick Flag has appeared a number of times in the live-action television series Smallville. But the character hasn’t appeared on the big screen other than the 2008 animated flick Justice League: The New Frontier. The ongoing CW series Arrow mentioned his name in its Season 3 episode named Suicidal Tendencies. But the DC Extended Universe has provided the opportunity to the character to make his live-action cinematic debut in their third installment – August 5, 2016 release Suicide Squad.

Tom Hardy was initially attached to play Rick Flag in the David Ayer venture before he stepped aside due to scheduling conflicts. Jake Gyllenhaal was reportedly courted for the role but he passed it on. The role finally went to the RoboCop star Joel Kinnaman.

The Swedish-American actor has described his character as ‘the highest level operator’ who is at work for the government. According to Kinnaman, his version of Colonel Rick Flag has witnessed death of a lot of friends and he, himself, has killed plenty. The character is leading the Task Force X in the movie – just like what he has done in the comic books.

On the next page – another baddie, but from Marvel Comics!