Idris Elba to Replace Will Smith as Deadshot in 'Suicide Squad' Sequel Earlier this month, Smith announced
he would not be reprising his role as
Deadshot due to scheduling conflicts. Director James Gunn and Warner Bros.
worked quickly to secure another
A-list celebrity for the role. Production for the movie is
scheduled to start in September, 2019. Elba was reportedly at the top of their list,
and immediately hit it off with Gunn. His acceptance of the role comes
on the heels of his disclosure that he will
never star as James Bond in the 007 franchise. Idris Elba, via 'DailyMail' It is currently not known which characters will be returning to join Elba in the second installment. The new 'Suicide Squad' movie
is set to be released on August 6, 2021.