UPDATE: Michael Rooker himself took to social media to deny The Wrap’s report, stating on Facebook, “No. This is NOT true.”
He also went on Instagram stating “This is not true news… I am not cast in this movie…….”
Warner Bros. sort-of sequel to ‘Suicide Squad’ has Michael Rooker in talks to join to the ever-growing cast. If a deal closes, he will play Nanaue, aka King Shark.
Rooker continues his collaboration streak with writer-director James Gunn, having been in both Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 of his ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ movies. He was recently in the third season of HBO’s ‘True Detective.’ Next, he has Jeff Wadlow’s ‘Fantasy Island’ reboot, releasing February 28, 2020, and he will co-star with Dylan O’Brien in Paramount’s ‘Monster Problems.’
The character description of King Shark is below:
“A super-villain and humanoid shark whose father is believed to be the so-called Shark God, though others dismiss him as merely a savage mutation.”
Meanwhile, Gunn serves as writer and director for ‘The Suicide Squad’ (the current title anyway). The film follows David Ayer’s 2016 film ‘Suicide Squad,’ but rather than a straight sequel, this is described as a new take on the property from the mind of Gunn that will feature a mix of new and old characters. Further, the project is very much rooted in Gunn’s vibe, as seen in his ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ movies.
Moreover, Viola Davis is coming back to play Amanda Waller, while Margot Robbie will reprise the role of Harley Quinn. According to the actor himself, Jai Courtney will be returning to the role of Captain Boomerang. It is unknown whether or not Joel Kinnaman will return as Rick Flagg.
Idris Elba will now be playing a new character, instead of Deadshot (replacing Will Smith). However, the character is unknown, but it could be Bronze Tiger. Deadshot has been written out of the movie, but may return in the future, with Smith returning.
Also, according to Collider, several new characters will be introduced alongside Polka-Dot Man:
- Ratcatcher, aka Maria the Millennial
- Newcomer Daniela Melchior is in talks for the role.
- Polka-Dot Man, aka Mister Polka Dot
- David Dastmalchian (‘Blade Runner 2049,’ ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’) is set for the role.
- Peacemaker, aka Christopher Smith
- John Cena (‘Blockers,’ ‘Bumblebee’) is in talks for the role, due to scheduling conflicts from Dave Bautista (‘Guardians of the Galaxy’).
There will also be a monstrous femme fatale character. The description states she is a surly, creature-like, muscular alien woman. The role will require a heavy use of prosthetics, akin to Killer Croc. Our own KC Walsh speculates the character could be either Rampage, Voodoo, a genderbent Despero, or (my pick) Duchess.
Additionally, second unit director and supervising stunt coordinator Guy Norris (‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’) will return as well, as he was part of the first film. Costume designer Judianna Makovsky (‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,’ ‘Avengers: Endgame’) production designer Beth Mickle (‘Drive,’ ‘Only God Forgives’) are also onboard.
Filming will begin this September and wrap sometime in February 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Warner Bros. will release the film on August 6, 2021.
Source: The Wrap