We were over the moon when Warner Bros announced that “The Drop” star Tom Hardy would join cast as Rick Flagg in the studios’ upcoming DC Comics film “Suicide Squad“.
However, it seems like we won’t be seeing Hardy play that role anymore as the actor was forced to drop out of the film due to his busy schedule. Multiple sources told TheWrap that director David Ayer is now eyeing “Nightcrawler” star Jake Gyllenhaal to replace Tom Hardy as Rick Flagg.
Produced by Charles Roven and Richard Suckle, “Suicide Squad” is executive produced by Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder, Colin Wilson and Geoff Johns. The film is based on the original DC Comic of the same name, where a group of supervillains find themselves going on a most unlikely mission for a shot at redemption. However, the mission will probably kill them all. “Fury” director David Ayer is set to direct the film, based on Justin Marks’ screenplay.
Though Tom Hardy would’ve been the perfect cast to play the “Suicide Squad” leader Rick Flagg, the English actor was forced to exit the film when Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s “The Revenant” extends the filming schedule into mid-March. He will also be needed to promote Warner Bros’ “Mad Max: Fury Road” when it hits the cinemas on 15th May. Thus, Hardy had no choice but to drop out of the film as “Suicide Squad” is expected to start production in April.
With Hardy’s departure from the film, TheWrap is reporting that Jake Gyllenhaal emerged as the director’s favourite to play the “Suicide Squad” leader. The two have previously worked together on Ayer’s “End of Watch”, where Gyllenhaal plays a young police officer in LA who meet criminal forces greater than himself and his partner. The actor was most recently seen in the riveting thriller film “Nightcrawler“, a film that earned him various award nominations including Golden Globes and SAG awards.
Regarding the casting news, Warner Bros. refused to give comment while Gyllenhaal reps didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The Wrap also added that Viola Davis is still in negotiations to play Amanda Waller while Jesse Eisenberg might reprise his upcoming role as Lex Luthor.
Slated for release on 5th Aug 2016, “Suicide Squad” stars Will Smith as Batman villain Deadshot, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, Cara Delevigne as Enchantress and Jared Leto as The Joker.
UPDATE (Jan. 22nd):
The search for the leader of the Suicide Squad continues as Variety has reported that Jake Gyllenhaal has declined the offer to play Rick Flagg.
However, it is unclear why he has decided to passed on the role. Since the production begins in April,Warner Bros may want to fill up the role soon but who do you think should take over the role? Share your thoughts in the comments box below.
(Source)
