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The Suicide Squad

The Suicide Squad is a 2021 American superhero film written and directed by James Gunn, based on the DC Comics team Suicide Squad.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Suicide Squad is a 2021 American superhero film written and directed by James Gunn, based on the DC Comics team Suicide Squad. It is a sequel to Suicide Squad (2016) and follows a group of incarcerated criminals sent on a mission to Corto Maltese. The film was released as part of the DC Extended Universe and features an ensemble cast led by Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, and John Cena.

Plot

The film centers on a team of imprisoned criminals recruited by Amanda Waller for a dangerous mission in Corto Maltese. Their objective involves preventing a secret project tied to the alien Starro the Conqueror from falling into hostile hands.

Production

James Gunn served as both writer and director. The film was produced for Warner Bros. Pictures and released in 2021.

Cast and characters

The ensemble cast includes returning and new characters from the Suicide Squad franchise. Principal performers include Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, and Viola Davis.

Release and reception

The film was released in theatres in 2021 and also made available via streaming on its release date in some markets. It was issued as an R-rated superhero film with action, comedy, and graphic violence.

Key facts

  • The Suicide Squad is a 2021 American superhero action-comedy based on the DC Comics team Suicide Squad.
  • James Gunn wrote and directed the film.
  • It serves as a sequel to Suicide Squad (2016) and is set within the DC Extended Universe.
  • The plot follows Task Force X members sent to Corto Maltese to destroy evidence connected to Starro the Conqueror.
  • The cast includes Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Idris Elba as Bloodsport, and John Cena as Peacemaker.
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Canadian context

The film was widely distributed in Canada and is of interest to Canadian viewers as part of the DC superhero film franchise.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Suicide Squad?
The Suicide Squad is a 2021 American superhero film about a team of incarcerated criminals sent on a dangerous mission.
Who directed The Suicide Squad?
James Gunn wrote and directed the film.
Is The Suicide Squad a sequel?
Yes. It is a sequel to Suicide Squad (2016).
What is the film based on?
It is based on the DC Comics team Suicide Squad.
Who stars in the film?
The cast includes Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, and Viola Davis.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Suicide_Squad_(film)
    Supports: Year, director, writer, sequel status, DC Comics basis, cast, and DCEU placement.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_suicide_squad
    Supports: Director, screenwriter, genre, rating, runtime, and release information.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6334354/
    Supports: Plot premise, ensemble cast, and Corto Maltese setting.
  4. AlloCiné — https://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=245535.html
    Supports: French-language release details, director, cast, and runtime.