Is James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad' a sequel? Here's exactly how it relates to the 2016 movie

Kirsten AcunaJul 22, 2021, 04:52 IST

Joel Kinnaman and Margot Robbie are back in another "Suicide Squad" film with a new crew this time around.Jessica Miglio/DC Comics, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

A new "Suicide Squad" movie, called "The Suicide Squad," is in theaters and on HBO Max on August 6.
If that's confusing, we're answering every non-spoiler question you may have about the new release.
James Gunn's "The Suicide Squad" isn't a sequel or a reboot and it's worth your time. We'll explain.

Is "The Suicide Squad" a sequel to the 2016 movie? Is it a reboot?

James Gunn's "The Suicide Squad" introduces a bunch of new faces you're going to fall in love with. Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/™ & © DC Comics

But I noticed it has some of the same characters from the 2016 movie. How does that work?

Returning characters include Rick Flag, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, and the Task Force X's ruthless leader, Amanda Waller. Jessica Miglio/™ & © DC Comics

OK. So it's not a sequel to 2016's "Suicide Squad." Is it a sequel to 2020's "Birds of Prey"? Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn was in that.

"The Suicide Squad" doesn't contradict anything in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) that comes before it. Warner Bros.

I'm sorry. I'm still confused. Why are we getting this film instead of something else if the first "Suicide Squad" was so poorly received?

Idris Elba and Viola Davis are seen in "The Suicide Squad." Jessica Miglio/DC Comics, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Is the Joker in this film?

Jared Leto played the Joker in 2016's "Suicide Squad." Warner Bros.

Is Will Smith in this film?

Will Smith as Deadshot in 2016's "Suicide Squad" and Idris Elba and James Gunn on the set of 2021's "The Suicide Squad." Warner Bros., Jessica Miglio/™ & © DC Comics

So who IS in this movie?

Some of the very large cast of "The Suicide Squad" on set with director James Gunn ranges from his brother, Sean (far left), to Pete Davidson. Jessica Miglio/™ & © DC Comics

Why is it called "The Suicide Squad" when the last film was called "Suicide Squad"? That seems confusing.

Polka-Dot Man, Peacemaker, Bloodsport, Ratcatcher 2 in "The Suicide Squad." Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/™ & © DC Comics

Why should I invest my time in this? I'm afraid I'm going to be duped twice.

Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn in "The Suicide Squad." Warner Bros.

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