Batman, Spiderman, Superman, Captain America.
These superheroes are all nice guys. They never rob or steal, and are the last ones to be called criminals. They are heroes adored by people and respected by the forces of law. Would anyone respect criminals put on suicide missions controlled by nano-bombs implanted in them?
Suicide Squad has been put together by an intelligence officer, Amanda Waller (Viola Davis). The task force is made up of dangerous criminals, namely hitman Deadshot (Will Smith), specialist assassin Slipknot (Adam Beach), former psychiatrist Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), pyrokinetic ex-mafia El Diablo (Jay Hernandez), thief Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney) and genetic mutant Killer Croc (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje).
The villains leading the charge! Suicide Squad has crossed over $700 million at the worldwide box office
This team is not expected to succeed but, rather, the members are disposable assets for the government’s use. With superheroes disappearing, and mortals no longer able to fight the evil lurking in the dark which has sworn to destroy the Earth, can these super villains save the day?
The Squad
Although many do not know this and think that the Suicide Squad is a new addition to DC comics, be amazed: the Squad has been around for almost 60 years. They made their first appearances in 1959 in The Brave and the Bold series. Here are the core members of the Squad.
Killer Croc
Born as Waylon Jones, his mother died soon after his birth and his father did not hang around. Jones was left in the care of an alcoholic and abusive aunt. He was also born with a condition called regressive atavism related to some ancient reptilian DNA he has inherited. If his aunt had known, she may have been kinder to him. But she didn’t and so Jones eventually kills her and eats her. The genetic mix also gives Jones his reptilian look and animalistic abilities.
Though Killer Croc has not made a movie appearance in any of the Batman movies, he is the true nemesis of the winged hero. He has crossed path with Batman and has aspirations to be the kingpin of Gotham.
Harley Quinn
The only rose amongst the thorns, Harley Quinn is a villain who is difficult to hate. She is sexy, funny and bad. Quinn was created in the 90s for the hit TV show Batman: The Animated series. As she gained traction and became a favourite amongst fans, DC Comics gave her life in the comic world. In fact, Quinn has received such a good reception for Suicide Squad that work has started on an untitled Harley Quinn Project.
The Joker
How can we talk about Harley Quinn and not mention the Joker? Ryan Gosling was sought out first for the role of The Joker, but turned it down because he did not want to sign on for a multi-picture deal.
After Heath Ledger, Jared Leto had a tall hat to fill. But it is a challenge that the Academy Award winner has taken on well.
To get into character, Leto sent his colleagues sick gifts: a live rat with a love letter to Margot Robbie, bullets to Will Smith and a dead pig to the rehearsal set. He even went on to practise the Joker’s laughter in public to see what makes people most uncomfortable.
Deadshot
It’s difficult to classify Deadshot as a true villain as his daughter tugs at his heartstrings. Wanting to always do the right thing for her, his desire to hunt constantly tears him in two.
To prepare for his role, Will Smith shaved his head and trained with Navy SEALS and Army Rangers. He practised firing a Glock 9mm handgun and an AR-15 rifle. He impressed many with his quick learning and is a good long distance shot with the AR-15.
El Diablo
This version of El Diablo is Chato Santana, a former criminal who encountered Lazarus Lane, the original El Diablo. A shaman revived Lane when he had been almost killed by a gang of thieves. Santana and Lane’s paths cross and the former takes on the Old West hero’s mantle.
Jay Hernandez shaved off all his hair for the role, and this saved him half an hour a day in the makeup chair.
Now you’ve met the Squad. Sometimes, it really feels good to be bad. But an interesting aside is that director David Ayer felt that the movie was too dark and arranged a therapist on-set to make sure the actors didn't lose their minds and things didn't get out of hand.
