The question of how many Suicide Squad movies exist seems straightforward, but the answer requires a nuanced understanding of the franchise’s evolution. As of today, there are three theatrical films directly related to the Suicide Squad: Suicide Squad (2016), The Suicide Squad (2021), and Joker (2019), though Joker is thematically linked but exists in its own standalone universe. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Suicide Squad filmography, exploring each film in detail and answering frequently asked questions about the characters, storylines, and future of this infamous team.
The Suicide Squad Filmography: A Closer Look
The cinematic journey of the Suicide Squad has been a rollercoaster, with varying degrees of critical and commercial success. Understanding each film’s place in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) – and now, the new DC Universe (DCU) – is crucial to appreciating the overall narrative.
Suicide Squad (2016): The Debut
This film marked the team’s introduction to the big screen. Directed by David Ayer, Suicide Squad featured a star-studded cast including Will Smith as Deadshot, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, and Jared Leto as the Joker. While commercially successful, it received overwhelmingly negative reviews due to its choppy editing, convoluted plot, and controversial portrayal of the Joker. Despite its flaws, Suicide Squad introduced many to the concept of Task Force X and catapulted Harley Quinn into the mainstream. This is the first movie on the timeline of how many movies of suicide squad are there.
The Suicide Squad (2021): A Soft Reboot
Directed by James Gunn, The Suicide Squad served as a soft reboot, retaining some characters from the 2016 film (Harley Quinn, Rick Flag, Captain Boomerang, and Amanda Waller) while introducing a completely new storyline and cast. Gunn’s signature humor, combined with graphic violence and a compelling narrative, resulted in a critically acclaimed and fan-favorite film. The Suicide Squad is considered a significant improvement over its predecessor and revitalized interest in the franchise. It successfully course-corrected many of the issues that plagued the 2016 film. Many fans consider this to be the second and definitive movie of how many movies of suicide squad are there.
Joker (2019): A Standalone Interpretation
Although not explicitly a Suicide Squad movie, Joker warrants mention due to its thematic connection and the character’s significant role in the team’s lore. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, this film is a standalone origin story of Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill aspiring comedian who descends into madness and becomes the iconic Batman villain. While not officially part of the DCEU or the new DCU initially, its standalone success established a separate DC universe. While it isn’t technically a Suicide Squad movie, the Joker’s presence, both in the 2016 Suicide Squad and in The Suicide Squad highlights the character’s connection to the team. This helps when answering how many movies of suicide squad are there.
Unveiling the FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
To further clarify the landscape of Suicide Squad films and their place in the broader DC universe, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Is Birds of Prey a Suicide Squad Movie?
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020) focuses on Harley Quinn after her breakup with the Joker. While Harley Quinn is a prominent member of the Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey is primarily a team-up movie featuring different characters and a completely separate storyline. Therefore, it is not considered a Suicide Squad movie, but rather a spin-off centered around a key character.
FAQ 2: Will there be a Suicide Squad 3?
The future of the Suicide Squad franchise is currently uncertain. With the establishment of the new DC Universe (DCU) under James Gunn and Peter Safran, a complete overhaul of the existing DCEU is underway. While Gunn’s The Suicide Squad was well-received, there’s no official confirmation of a direct sequel. However, the characters could potentially reappear in future DCU projects.
FAQ 3: What is the correct viewing order of the Suicide Squad films?
The recommended viewing order is:
- Suicide Squad (2016)
- Birds of Prey (2020) – optional, but provides context for Harley Quinn’s character
- The Suicide Squad (2021)
- Joker (2019) – Optional, as it exists in a separate universe
FAQ 4: Are the Suicide Squad movies connected to the Justice League movies?
Suicide Squad (2016) is loosely connected to the Justice League universe, with some shared characters and references. The Suicide Squad (2021) has fewer explicit connections. Joker (2019) exists entirely outside of the established DCEU. The new DCU’s approach to connectivity remains to be seen.
FAQ 5: Who is Amanda Waller and what is her role in the Suicide Squad?
Amanda Waller, played by Viola Davis, is the ruthless and pragmatic government official who forms and controls Task Force X, also known as the Suicide Squad. She handpicks incarcerated supervillains and forces them to carry out dangerous missions in exchange for reduced prison sentences. She is the puppet master behind the team.
FAQ 6: What are the defining characteristics of the Suicide Squad?
The Suicide Squad is defined by its team of expendable supervillains, their coerced participation in dangerous missions, and the high likelihood of death. The team’s composition is often unpredictable, with members constantly changing. The dynamic between the villains is often volatile and unpredictable as well.
FAQ 7: Which Suicide Squad movie is considered the best?
The consensus among critics and fans is that The Suicide Squad (2021) is the superior film. James Gunn’s direction, improved writing, and more compelling characters contribute to a more enjoyable and critically acclaimed experience.
FAQ 8: Who are the main characters in the Suicide Squad?
Recurring and prominent characters include Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Rick Flag, Amanda Waller, and Captain Boomerang. However, the team roster varies significantly across the films. Other notable members include Bloodsport, Peacemaker, King Shark, and Polka-Dot Man, among others.
FAQ 9: Does the Suicide Squad exist in the comics?
Yes, the Suicide Squad originated in DC Comics. The concept has been around since the 1950s, but the modern iteration, featuring supervillains forced into service, was popularized in the 1980s.
FAQ 10: What is the purpose of Task Force X (Suicide Squad)?
Task Force X serves as a black ops team for the US government, undertaking missions that are too dangerous or morally questionable for conventional forces. The use of supervillains provides deniability and reduces the political fallout if the missions fail.
FAQ 11: Are there any TV series based on the Suicide Squad?
Yes, Peacemaker, a spin-off TV series focusing on the character from The Suicide Squad (2021), premiered on HBO Max (now Max). It has been critically acclaimed and expanded the world of the Suicide Squad, as well as answered the call of how many movies of suicide squad are there.
FAQ 12: What’s next for the Suicide Squad in the new DC Universe?
The precise direction of the Suicide Squad within the new DCU remains unclear. James Gunn’s involvement suggests a potential continuation of the established characters and tone, but further announcements are necessary to confirm the team’s future. It’s possible we’ll see familiar faces in new contexts, or even a complete reimagining of the squad.