First Look at Will Smith as Deadshot in ‘Suicide Squad’

Will Smith (Men In Black) takes on new look as Deadshot in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad.

Ayer released a photo of Smith as Deadshot on Twitter, with the actor barely recognizable. The only part revealed of Smith’s face is his eye, and the rest of him is totally covered. Given that Smith is one of the most successful actors out there, this will be one of the few roles that covers him behind a costume and make-up. With no face, Smith will be relying on his voice and physicality to make the character Deadshot come to life.

Smith is not exactly a newcomer to the superhero world, having played the title hero in Hancock back in 2008. An unconventional hero, Hancock turned from an unlikeable menace to a hero. Deadshot, on the other hand, will be Smith’s first role within the DC Universe and it is not as the hero, but as the villain. Smith has made a career playing the hero in movies, so the choice to add him as a super villain is unusual, though it also gives the actor a chance to flex is acting skills.

The character himself, Deadshot, is an expert assassin known for his marksmanship. Within DC Comics, Deadshot premiered as an enemy of Batman looking to take over the underworld of the city. In the Suicide Squad comic books Deadshot wishes only to go out in a blaze of glory, making him an effective team member in dangerous situations. With this background, it seems that Deadshot can probably be counted on for the risky stunts as well as not being afraid to go after anyone, even the superheroes.

Suicide Squad is set to hit theaters August 5, 2016.