Original Suicide Squad Director Praises Marvel’s Reshoot Process

Suicide Squad director David Ayer praises how Marvel handles reshoots. Tapped to helm Warner Bros. and DC Films' first anti-hero-focused project, the filmmaker was supposed to be involved with the sequel. With the DCEU going through different changes over the last few years, that's no longer the case. Ironically, MCU helmer James Gunn is now leading the charge for The Suicide Squad, which is assumed to be a follow-up to what Ayer has established considering that it will focus on several of the characters he introduced.

The 2016 film went on to become a box office success, pocketing a total of $746.8 million worldwide against a budget of just $175 million. Despite bad critical reviews, it also nabbed an Academy Award for make-up and hairstyling. Given this, Warner Bros. was quick to craft stories building on what Suicide Squad established with sequels and spin-offs lined up. As fans know, moving forward with the initial plans doesn't seem to be the case anymore with the studio heading a different direction for the DCEU. Nevertheless, Ayer's name will be forever linked to the franchise considering that he debuted some prominent characters in the universe, particularly Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn.

Related: The Suicide Squad Footage Reused In Birds Of Prey

So, when Ayer implied he's pondering the possibility of being involved in the rumored Marvel Studios' Namor film, some DCEU fans were a bit shocked. One fan sarcastically replied saying that if the filmmaker joined the MCU, at least he wouldn't have to reshoot anything since he only needs to follow what the producer wants. Ayer countered by stating that he actually thinks that Marvel Studios planning ahead for any potential reshoots or additional photography is a good practice because it gives the whole production structure. Check out his full reply below:

It's no secret that Suicide Squad was a victim of rushed production. Ayer only had a six weeks to write the screenplay since the film already had a set release date. There was also meddling from Warner Bros. borne out of the lackluster reception to Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, which rolled out just several months earlier. The studio wanted Ayer's movie to be more lighthearted to appeal to a bigger audience. Reshoots were reportedly rushed as well and may have cost $22 million - a much bigger amount compared to the usual $6-10 million set aside for additional photography. Considering the filmmaker's experience working on Suicide Squad, it's not surprising that he favors how Marvel Studios already incorporates reshoot days into their films' overall schedules.

While deemed rivals in print and on the big screen, people involved in Marvel and DC have time and time again proven there's no bad blood between the two companies. So, there's not really anything wrong if Ayer is interested in helming a film in the MCU after his DCEU stint as Suicide Squad's director. Gunn has done it and has nothing but good things to say about his experiences with both companies, as well as other actors before.

More: Marvel Movie Delays Are What MCU Should’ve Been After Endgame

Source: David Ayer