Marvel Actor, Idris Elba, to Replace Will Smith as Deadshot in ‘Suicide Squad’

As Will Smith exits the revival of Suicide Squad to become a Blue Genie, Idris Elba will be replacing Smith as the character of Deadshot per Variety. As the formal Marvel director, James Gunn, is attached to the DC property, it seems oddly fitting that a former Marvel actor will be featured in this reboot. Smith could not return as the character despite being one of the better received in Suicide Squad due to scheduling conflicts.

However, it is unknown if there are going to be any returning cast members to the new film or if the entire cast of Suicide Squad will be replaced. Fortunately, it seems unlikely that Margot Robbie will be replaced as Harley Quinn if she appears, given her appearance in the upcoming Birds of Prey. Regardless of who returns and who doesn’t for James Gunn’s DC film, it’ll be interesting to see Idris Elba in a DC property now that his former character, Heimdall from Thor, is officially retired.

The Suicide Squad is set for release on August 6, 2021.