Jaume Collet-Serra is the Frontrunner to Direct SUICIDE SQUAD 2

Warner Bros. has been developing a Suicide Squad sequel since the movie’s big box office run last year. With David Ayer moving on to spinoff film Gotham City Sirens, the studio has been searching for a new director to tackle Task Force X. Mel Gibson was approached, along with a few other directors. Meanwhile, the script is being written by Adam Cozad, while star Joel Kinnaman says that the plan is to shoot sometime next year. Now, WB is getting close to hiring a director.

According to Deadline, filmmaker Jaume Collet-Serra is the frontrunner to direct Suicide Squad 2. After considering several directors, WB now intends to bring Collet-Serra on board. Basically, it’s his job to lose right now. Collet-Serra’s credits include The Shallows and Non-Stop.

The Hollywood Reporter adds that Mel Gibson moved on from the project following script delays, which also pushed back production. WB recently received a new treatment written by Zak Penn, and a new draft is underway.

Meanwhile – if anyone had any doubt – Will Smith and Margot Robbie are attached to reprise their roles as Deadshot and Harley Quinn, respectively.

Variety adds that WB hopes to have Suicide Squad 2 in production by March of next year, while THR says the studio is aiming for mid-2018. However, the studio has to work around the cast’s busy schedules; for example, Will Smith is prepping to shoot Gemini Man and Disney’s Aladdin remake.

But if production begins next year, expect Suicide Squad 2 to release sometime in 2019. Stay tuned for more updates as we have them.