Mel Gibson Sought After For Suicide Squad Sequel

If you thought the Suicide Squad sequel was going in the same direction as its first debut, then think again. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the site has learned Warner Bros. is courting Mel Gibson to direct the much-anticipated film.

So far, it looks like early talks are in place between Gibson’s camp and Warner Bros. THR has learned the conversations have just begun, but no official word about the report has been released from either party just yet. For now, reports say Gibson is familiarizing himself with the DC Comics franchise.

The site also suggests that Warner Bros. is not being passive in their search for a director; Daniel Espinosa is also said to be involved the the studio as it tries to replace David Ayer who helmed the first movie.

Of course, some fans will wonder why Ayer will not be involved with the sequel to Suicide Squad as a director. The visionary has plenty on his plate for now. Last year, it was confirmed that Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn would be getting a spin-off film titled Gotham City Sirens, and Ayer has signed onto direct that project.

Reports first surfaced that a Suicide Squad sequel was being courted last year. The announcement came shortly after plans for Gotham City Sirens solidified. Despite receiving mixed reviews, Suicide Squad was a commercial hit for Warner Bros. and the DC Extended Universe. The film grossed a total of $745 million at the worldwide box office.

If Gibson does sign onto the sequel, the it will mark a continued turnaround of the star’s career. After suffering several notable scandals, Gibson has made ammends with Hollywood over recent years. Most recently, the director has regained much of his former glory with the release of Hacksaw Ridge. The acclaimed film has nabbed a slew of Academy Award nominations, and it has put Gibson back on the map as a forward-thinking filmmaker.

Assemble a team of the world’s most dangerous, incarcerated Super Villains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government’s disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity. U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it’s every man for himself?

Written and directed by David Ayer, the film starred Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, and Viola Davis. The cast also included Jai Courtney, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Ike Barinholtz, Scott Eastwood, Cara Delevingne, Adam Beach, and Karen Fukuhara in her feature film debut.

MORE: Suicide Squad Director Reteams With Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn For Gotham City Sirens Movie / Suicide Squad Director Teases Gotham City Sirens Character Roster

Suicide Squad: The Extended Cut is now available on Digital HD, Blu-ray, and DVD.