Suicide Squad 3: Rumors About James Gunn’s Next Film

Four years have already passed since the last Suicide Squad film directed by James Gunn. Since then, the filmmaker has become co-CEO of DC Studios and is building an entirely new shared universe, one with a much clearer continuity, similar to Marvel’s MCU.

So what place does our beloved Suicide Squad hold in this new plan? Which actors might return, and what new characters could join the team?

Here, we answer all your questions about a possible Suicide Squad 3!

Suicide Squad 3 : Is the project currently in development?

A look back at the first two Suicide Squad films

Suicide Squad has had two theatrical adaptations: the first directed by David Ayer in 2016, followed by James Gunn’s version in 2021.

The first film received a largely negative critical reception, although it was a box-office hit and even won several awards (including an Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling). Despite mixed reviews, the film successfully introduced audiences to this team of criminals forced into deadly missions.

David Ayer has openly stated that he was never allowed to present his true vision. In post-production, Warner Bros. re-edited the film, cutting many scenes and requiring reshoots to lighten the tone and make it more mainstream. Jared Leto — who played the Joker — also expressed frustration, as most of his scenes were drastically reduced or entirely removed.

Following this half-hearted success, James Gunn was hired to create a standalone sequel simply titled The Suicide Squad. The cast changed significantly, introducing new characters. Still, several familiar faces remained—like Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn and Viola Davis as Amanda Waller.

This second film was much better received by audiences and critics, although it made less money at the box office.

Context: the new DC Universe

In 2022, James Gunn became the new co-president of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran. Their goal: to create a unified continuity among all upcoming productions—through a reboot of the previous cinematic universe.

From now on, films, series, animation, and video games will all share a consistent timeline.

Some projects that fall outside this timeline will still exist under the label DC Elseworlds, similar to how the comics publish alternate-universe stories.

Regarding casting, some actors will keep their roles—John Cena continues as Peacemaker in his TV series—but many others will be recast. For example, Henry Cavill has been replaced by David Corenswet, who will star as Superman in Superman: Legacy. More information will be revealed as the new DCU unfolds.

Official statements and the status of Suicide Squad 3

No official project has been announced yet.
As early as 2021, however, James Gunn said he “left the door open” for a The Suicide Squad 3.

More recently, in a 2023 appearance on the Inside of You podcast, he explained that he wasn’t planning to work on the subject anytime soon, preferring to focus on TV series over the next few years.

Spin-offs

Gunn is still expanding the Suicide Squad world through TV shows:

• Peacemaker (2022): written and directed by Gunn, starring John Cena, with Steve Agee (John Economos), Chris Conrad (Vigilante), and Danielle Brooks (Leota Adebayo).
  Season 2 has already wrapped filming and is expected in summer 2025.
• Waller: in development for years, starring Viola Davis once again as Amanda Waller. No release date yet.

On the same podcast, Gunn hinted that he might eventually consider another film featuring Suicide Squad characters. He also confirmed on Twitter in 2022 that Margot Robbie will return as Harley Quinn in the future.

So even though Suicide Squad 3 remains a rumor for now, all the conditions seem right for a new installment—strong public interest, a new DCU framework, and characters still active in spin-offs.

Cast and Plot: What We Know (and What We Can Imagine)

Actors likely to return

Margot Robbie — Harley Quinn
Her performance has been praised in all three films she starred in (Suicide Squad 2016, Birds of Prey 2020, The Suicide Squad 2021).
James Gunn has repeatedly said he loves her interpretation and can’t imagine anyone else replacing her.

John Cena — Peacemaker
He is central to his own series, making his return likely for a third film.

Viola Davis — Amanda Waller
As the mastermind behind Task Force X, she is essential. Her own spin-off reinforces her future in the DCU.

Will Smith — Deadshot
He missed the second film due to scheduling conflicts, and his absence was noticed.
As a charismatic sharpshooter with a layered backstory, he could fit perfectly into a new mission.

Possible new characters

The Task Force X roster can draw from countless DC villains, so a mostly new team is possible.

Bane
One of Batman’s greatest enemies, both a brilliant strategist and a powerhouse.
Tom Hardy could return, though the role required extreme physical preparation—making a comeback uncertain.

Poison Ivy
Her ecology-driven radicalism and her link with Harley Quinn could introduce exciting dynamics.

Copperhead
A stealthy assassin—perfect for infiltration missions.

Man-Bat
A monstrous creature who could bring a horror-tinged angle to the story.

The Penguin (Colin Farrell)
Now extremely popular thanks to the spin-off series, he could make a crossover appearance.

Fan theories about the plot

Two theories dominate:

1. A direct confrontation with the Justice League
   Through manipulation by Amanda Waller or because of a shared threat — similar to the video game Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
   This would create intense conflict, alliances, and a strong connection to the new DCU.
2. A multiversal Suicide Squad
   Recruiting villains from alternate realities for dangerous missions.
   This could lead to unexpected cameos and a larger-than-life story.

Whatever direction is chosen, Suicide Squad 3 has the potential to push boundaries with explosive action, dark humor, and unforgettable characters. Fans are ready for another wild mission!