We are here for this: Idris Elba to replace Will Smith in ‘Suicide Squad’

Smith dropped the role for the sequel because of scheduling conflicts.

Mar 7, 2019

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Idris Elba is adding another superhero franchise to his resumé. He is jumping from “the Marvel universe to DC,” to replace Will Smith in Suicide Squad, according to Variety.

Smith dropped the role for the sequel because of scheduling conflicts.

Elba will now play the character of a “grumpy sniper par excellence and leader of a group of unruly super-villains who begrudgingly save the world.”

Another Marvel alum, James Gunn, reportedly will write and direct the movie. Production will begin in September and Warner Bros. is looking to set the release date for August 6, 2021.

Although the cast isn’t complete, Margot Robbie, who plays the role of Harley Quinn, is more than likely be in the movie. Quinn was so popular in the original film that the character has a prequel, Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), that will hit theaters on February 7, 2020.

Although Smith isn’t a part of Suicide Squad anymore, he has plenty of projects lined up. Some include him playing in a biopic as Richard Williams, the father of tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams. This news is causing some controversy relating to colorism issues. The site reports that it is uncertain about future plans for the movie.

Elba is also keeping busy. He is starring in two movies Three Thousand Years of Longing and Hobbs & Shaw all over the world. He will also play Macavity, the Mystery Cat, in the classic Cats. His comedy, Turn Up Charlie debuts on Netflix next week as well.

As we’re waiting for his upcoming movies and shows, Elba is scheduled to make his debut as host this weekend on Saturday Night Live, with musical guest Khalid.