Deadshot Will Reportedly Not Appear in 'Suicide Squad' Sequel

Sources say Idris Elba, who was set to play the antihero, will take on a new role.

Idris Elba
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Image via Getty/Vivien Killilea

Idris Elba

Don't expect to see Deadshot on the big screen anytime soon. 

After it was confirmed Will Smith would not reprise his role as the assassin anti-hero, it was reported that Idris Elba was in talks to replace Smith in Suicide Squad 2. Well, it appears that won't be the case.

Sources told Variety that Elba has been tapped to star in the sequel, but will not portray "the world's deadliest marksman." So, who will that role go to? Apparently, no one. Insiders said director James Gunn and other parties have decided to scrap Deadshot from the long-awaited film, with Elba taking on a new character.

Per Variety:

It is unknown what character Elba would now be playing, but after taking the last few weeks to discuss, everyone involved felt this was the right move. The team also did not want to feel as if it was disrespecting Smith, who helped bring this character to life for the first time, by replacing him with Elba.

Sources also pointed out that the team behind Suicide Squad were open to Smith's return down the road, as his departure was due to scheduling conflicts rather than creative differences.

We'll keep you posted as more information about Elba's role becomes available.

Though the Suicide Squad sequel will mark Elba's introduction to the DCEU, he is no stranger to comic book films. The 46-year-old actor previously played Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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