Though it was previously reported that Elba would be replacing
Will Smith as
Deadshot in the new pic, sources now tell
Variety that all parties including director James Gunn have decided to move on from the Deadshot character, with Elba playing a new character in "
The Suicide Squad."
Warner Bros. had no comment on the decision.
It is unknown what character Elba would now be playing, but after taking the last few weeks to discuss, everyone involved felt this was the right move. The team also did not want to feel as if it was disrespecting Smith, who helped bring this character to life for the first time, by replacing him with Elba. While many believe chances are still slim for a future return, the decision keeps the door open for Smith to possibly come back in future films, since his original reason for leaving had to do with scheduling and not creative differences.
