The DCEU's lowest-rated film also has one of the best casts in the franchise, and it’s hard to believe how it all went wrong. The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) had plenty of major stars attached to its universe, including Ben Affleck, John Cena, Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Henry Cavill. However, these stars didn't save the DCEU in the long run, as it slowly lost interest from audiences, eventually culminating with the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Before the DC universe is rebooted with a new Superman film, it’s essential to remember that not every movie can be rescued by a great cast.
The Justice League brought together all the biggest heroes within the DCEU, yet that film still underperformed. Many DCEU films didn’t resonate well with critics, including Suicide Squad, which arguably had the most star-studded cast. It’s a shame that the film didn’t perform better with critics, but there are many reasons why critics rejected it outside of the cast.
Suicide Squad was one of the most exciting projects coming from the DCEU. It boasted a fantastic cast with Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Viola Davis, and the trailers teased a dark film with a comedic edge. Many were also excited to see Jared Leto's DCEU debut as Joker alongside Robbie's Harley Quinn. Harley and Joker's dynamic had never been showcased in a live-action film, and it was one of the film's most promising aspects. Yet, when the film premiered in 2016, it received a dismal 26% rating from critics, the lowest critic score for any DCEU film. Audiences weren’t kind either, giving it a 58% score, which is surprisingly low for any superhero film.
Despite the star power of Smith and Robbie, the cast couldn't save the film from being torn apart by critics and audiences alike. This proved that a talented ensemble cannot compensate for a lackluster story or confusing direction, especially when studio interference is at play.
According to a 2016 report from The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros had brought in "multiple editors" to create a "lighter, studio-favored version" that differed from David Ayer's original darker vision. The studio also mandated numerous reshoots in an attempt to alter the film's tone, leading to a version that felt inconsistent and conflicted. However, it shouldn’t all be blamed on studio interference, as the film still had many other issues.
Looking back, Suicide Squad could have been very different from the James Gunn-directed DC movie that came out in 2021. Enchantress, the main villain of the original film, was not well-received, and the lack of a compelling antagonist made it less interesting to watch the Suicide Squad battle her faceless goons in the dark. The story itself was riddled with plot holes, and many characters either lacked sufficient backstory or were given rushed exposition.
James Gunn proved how to properly make a Suicide Squad film in 2021, and fans were grateful to see a more coherent narrative and character development.
Deadshot, a staple character of the Suicide Squad, is one of the world's greatest marksmen. His perceptive and lethal qualities have made him an asset to various teams, but they also caused him considerable grief. After years of serving Amanda Waller, Deadshot found himself conscripted by different teams, many of which had little regard for his life. His journey has been tumultuous, leading him to become a member of the new Secret Six.
Deadshot debuted in Batman #59 and has been a core part of the Suicide Squad. However, the team eventually traded hands to a new director named Lok, who abused his power and lacked the discipline that Waller had. During a mission, Deadshot executed Lok himself, realizing he could no longer serve a master who didn’t care if he lived or died.
In a dramatic turn of events, Deadshot and his allies infiltrated Kord Tower, only to be betrayed by Black Mask, who had the ability to shapeshift. Black Mask shot Deadshot out of the building, resulting in what seemed to be his death. However, months later, Deadshot was recruited into a new version of the Suicide Squad: Task Force Z, run in secret by Two-Face. This program used the bodies of villains, resurrected with a substance known as Lazarus Resin, which turned them into zombies with limited intelligence.
Deadshot's daughter, Zoe, has been training in marksmanship, wanting to use her skills for good. Red Hood, the team's leader, specifically requested Deadshot's return, believing he would be easier to manage than the other members. However, Deadshot was furious at being brought back to life merely to serve on another Suicide Squad.
His zombified state meant he wasn’t fully in control of his actions, and triggers could send him into a feral, cannibalistic state. From there, Deadshot experienced a rollercoaster of shifting allegiances and betrayals. In a conflict involving Waller's Suicide Squad and Mister Bloom, Deadshot was killed again, only to be brought back by Two-Face for his own purposes.
Eventually, Deadshot was fully resurrected and returned to Waller's service. He was present during a rebellion attempt against Waller and witnessed the consequences of that conflict. However, he was determined to save Waller, the woman who had made his life a living hell, realizing that she held information he desperately needed.
Deadshot demonstrated preparedness for Kryptonians by using synthetic kryptonite capsules to weaken them. His determination to save Waller indicates that whatever information she possesses is deeply personal to him, likely connected to his daughter, Zoe. Speculation suggests that Waller may have kidnapped Zoe to manipulate Deadshot into serving her, making her the only one who knows Zoe's whereabouts.
As Deadshot works with the new Secret Six to uncover the truth, he is faced with the complexities of his past and the choices he must make for his future. His journey reflects the ongoing struggles of a character who has seen death and resurrection, and now seeks redemption in a world that constantly challenges his resolve.
