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James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad rounds up another gnarly bunch of ragtag criminals for a mission. That mission? To survive Amanda Waller — and to stop the giant starfish Starro from executing his plan. Gunn brought his love for the DC comic book series to the job, making his vision come to life on camera. However, there were some antiheroes who aren’t in the squad this time around, and he revealed two candidates who didn’t make the film.

'The Suicide Squad' cast walks in the rain
L-R: Joel Kinnaman, John Cena, Margot Robbie, Peter Capaldi and Idris Elba in ‘The Suicide Squad’ | Jessica Miglio/Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Comics

Man-Bat

James Gunn tapped into his extensive DC knowledge to pluck which rogues he wanted on this Suicide Squad team. During his recent chat with BBC 1 Radio’s Ali Plumb, he explained that for the most part, he figured out which ones he wanted to include early in the process. However, Gunn “thought about using” Man-Bat.

While the movie includes the kooky-looking, child-eating Weasel in the story, the anthropomorphic Man-Bat has his own interesting arc. Many comic fans consider him to be one of Batman’s best foes, and he has a history of doing good and bad in Gotham.

After Dr. Kirk Langstrom ingests his own bat serum, it backfires and transforms him into Man-Bat. He’s had run-ins with the Suicide Squad, helped Black Adam attack the White House, and he also assisted Superman recover from kryptonite exposure. With his duplicitous nature, he could’ve been a great addition to Gunn’s squad.

Gunhawk

The other villain who came up in the BBC conversation is Gunhawk. Gunn acknowledged that he also came to mind for this installment. Ultimately, he decided against it. Who’s Gunhawk?

A highly trained marksman and mercenary, Gunhawk — a.k.a. Liam Hawkleigh — was a thorn in Batman’s side. He first emerged in the comic books in 1994 as an ex-military man who committed murders for hire. He and his wife Gunbunny used to go on missions together, but they eventually divorced. Gunhawk’s story arc followed a path of alcohol addiction and self-destruction, which affected his shooting capabilities.  

It’s interesting to note that he’s one of Bane’s associates. Though Gunhawk is not in this movie, maybe he’ll make the next one.

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Which ‘villains’ are in ‘The Suicide Squad’?

As fans digest The Suicide Squad on Aug. 6, they’ll get acquainted with who’s part of the crew. In addition to Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, there’s Weasel, King Shark, Peacemaker, and a host of other straight-from-the-comics characters and a newbie.

Polka-Dot Man and his weaponized polka dots are part of the show, as is Sol Soria, played by Queen of the South’s Alice Braga. Rick Flag and Captain Boomerang return to the franchise, but Bloodsport, Thinker, Javelin, Savant, TDK, Mongal, Blackguard (Pete Davidson), Ratcatcher 2 and Double Down are new to the gang. Their talents should come in handy when it comes to squaring up against Starro.

Each possesses their own abilities when it comes to combat, tech, crime, physical strength, and throwing things. And some of them love the sight and taste of blood. Fans should look out for some amazing fight scenes, comedy, explosions, and apparently, a little bit of male nudity. The film arrives on Aug. 6.

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