At one point, it was widely rumored that Idris Elba was supposed to take over the role of Deadshot from Will Smith, but it was reported that all parties, including Gunn, “have decided to move on” from that character entirely. Gunn’s recent remark goes to show that an award-winning actor like Elba deserves an original role instead of moving forward with an already established character from the franchise.

NEWS:

While greeting Idris Elba for his birthday yesterday, The Suicide Squad director James Gunn revealed that he wrote the role of Bloodsport specifically for the actor. Gunn also praised Elba by saying that the actor “went beyond” his expectations as both an actor and a human being:

I rarely write roles for actors I've never met, but I did exactly that for @idriselba in #TheSuicideSquad & couldn't be happier I did – you went beyond my expectations as an actor AND as a human being. I can't wait for folks to see you as #Bloodsport. Happy Birthday, my friend! pic.twitter.com/PxkNIwSraj

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 6, 2020