A lot has happened with the new Suicide Squad film this week.

In addition to the hiring of James Gunn, who will be penning the script with a possible option to direct, original Suicide Squad director David Ayer spoke highly of the hiring, while Guardians of the Galaxy star Dave Bautista has expressed interest in starring the film. More on these two reports below.

James Gunn is ready for a comeback. The former Guardians of the Galaxy director who was fired by Disney for years old tweets that were unearthed by an ultra-conservative group has found a new gig at Warner Bros.

Gunn will now be writing a script for a Suicide Squad film. That’s right, according to new reports, this won’t be a sequel but rather a new take on the ensemble of criminals looking for shorter prison sentences. More on the report below.

It’s no surprise that Jared Leto‘s Joker in Suicide Squad was one of the most interesting takes on the character. It wasn’t like the comic books or the dark and grungy Joker. And that is one thing you have to respect in David Ayer’s film. But it also wasn’t a well-received character.

That being said, he is a part of the DCEU now. And for those who have been dying to know if he would get his own film, well, the studio has answered that question. New reports are saying WB is putting a Joker movie into development with Leto starring and executive producing. More on the story below.

After a long road with some twists and turns, Warner Bros. has finally found a new director for the DC sequel Suicide Squad 2. WB has locked in The Accountant, Warrior, Pride and Glory, and Miracle director Gavin O’Connor for the job.

Previous names attached to the project include Mel Gibson, David Goyer, and Jaume Collet-Serra, who ultimately decided to direct Jungle Cruise for Disney instead.

Ever since David Ayer opted to take the reins on Gotham City Sirens in lieu of the sequel to his 2016 comic book action blockbuster Suicide Squad, it looked like Task Force X would require a new commander to call the shots on their next big adventure if the DC Films sequel was to be ready in time for its undated 2019 release.

The search for Suicide Squad 2‘s new director has not yet ended, but the current front-runner for the job is now Jaume Collet-Serra. Best known for making modestly budgeted action and horror hits like Non-Stop and The Shallows, Collet-Serra has seized the top contender position from Mel Gibson. Previous candidates also included Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland), Daniel Espinosa (Life), and Blade: Trinity director David Goyer.