Suicide Squad Isn't Necessary For Understanding the Sequel, Says Gunn

According to director James Gunn, seeing 2016's Suicide Squad isn't necessary for understanding his sequel, The Suicide Squad. Expectations for the first film were high, but when the David Ayer-directed film arrived in theaters, fans were largely disappointed. While Suicide Squad performed well financially, it stumbled critically thanks to its confused tone and muddled story. Fans' hopes for the property were revived back in January 2019 when it was announced that Gunn, best known for his work on Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy films, had signed on to write and direct the Suicide Squad sequel. Gunn has kept most details about the project tightly under wraps, though he did reveal the full (and lengthy) cast list last fall.

The biggest point of confusion regarding Gunn's The Suicide Squad is whether it is a direct sequel to Ayer's film. While Ayer has previously said The Suicide Squad isn't in the same continuity, a handful of characters from Ayer's film will be returning. This includes Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney), and Amanda Waller (Viola Davis). This has led fans to question just how much of a standalone The Suicide Squad actually is.

Related: Birds of Prey Proves James Gunn's Suicide Squad is DEFINITELY a Sequel

Gunn continued to indicate how The Suicide Squad will be separate from the 2016 film during a Q&A session on Instagram. When asked if one needs to watch the 2016 Suicide Squad to understand Gunn's film, Gunn simply responded by saying, "No you don't." Regardless of those shared characters, it looks like The Suicide Squad will be standing on its own with no prior knowledge needed.

Fans have been craving new information about The Suicide Squad, and Gunn has been willing to reveal a few teases. For example, Gunn recently confirmed he knows what the film will be rated, but that he cannot say at the present moment. Fans have wondered if The Suicide Squad could be rated R, especially since the previous DCEU film, Birds of Prey, boasted that rating.

Since The Suicide Squad isn't slated for release until August 2021, it's going to be a while before marketing for the film begins in earnest. Fans have been hoping to get their first official looks at Gunn's film, but the coronavirus pandemic has further delayed any trailers or images that could be released.  Until things finally pick up, fans only have Gunn's social media teases to give them info about what to expect. One thing is clear though: There's no need to revisit the 2016 Suicide Squad.

More: The Suicide Squad’s Release Date Isn’t Changing As of Right Now

Source: James Gunn/Instagram