James Gunn Apparently in Talks to Write and Direct ‘Suicide Squad 2’

In a move that shows they are perhaps not as dense about the future of their movie universe as they seem, DC is apparently in talks with James Gunn to re-write and possibly direct Suicide Squad 2. It's the perfect way for both parties to let Marvel know just how stupid they are for firing and later refusing to rehire Gunn to the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise he helped create.

According to The Wrap, previously announced writer/director of SS2, Gavin O'Connor, has exited the project leaving a giant hole in the project. Gunn would be given creative control of the project to create whatever he wants, not even necessarily tied to the lineup from the first film. Rumor has it that O'Connor's draft was too similar to the already in pre-production Birds of Prey, leading DC to want to look toward someone like Gunn that has twice over proven his ability to work magic with this type of comic book movie.

Previous director of the franchise, David Ayer, who is nothing if not one of the more sincere guys in the industry, had this to say about the rumor...

I think it’s an incredibly brave and smart move by the studio. James is the right man for the job! https://t.co/KaVD3dQosR

— David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) October 9, 2018

Whatever else you want to say about Suicide Squad, it was a massive financial hit and at least some of the credit has to go to Ayer for that. I think the potential exists for this franchise to become great, particularly if Gunn can retool the lineup, trim some of the fat, and bring in new characters. Compared with the sins that some directors have committed which Hollywood forgave—for better or worse—Gunn's tasteless jokes from a decade ago are closer to a misdemeanor.

He was gonna be back, it's just a shame it wasn't with Guardians, but hopefully Marvel can make an offer to Taika Waititi that doesn't put him in a position to insult his friend Gunn, they might be able to salvage that third outing.