The Suicide Squad just might be the most interesting DC Extended Universe project currently in production, boasting an R-Rating and an impressively large cast of colorful DC characters. Between the first look trailers that have come out recently, and various promises and statements from director James Gunn, this new version of the Suicide Squad is shaping up to be one to remember, and according to Gunn himself, he's calling pretty much all the shots.

One of the recurring behind-the-scenes issues on the DC Extended Universe has been studio meddling. From Warner Bros.' complete reshoots of Justice League to rumored interference with the production of Wonder Woman 1984, many fans have bemoaned what they believe to be studio demands ruining the creative visions of their directors. It seems that such a conflict won't be an issue with The Suicide Squad, however, as Gunn has been given the green light to do just about whatever he wants.

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It was during a recent interview with Total Film that Gunn discussed how he ended up in the director's seat for The Suicide Squad, and what it was like working out the details with Warner Bros. While the new version of the Suicide Squad only features a few returning faces, Gunn apparently had the power to use whoever he wanted: "They said I could keep [all the characters] or do away with them all. I could do a completely new squad." In the end, it seems he decided to keep a few veterans on hand, but the new film does seem to have a nice variety of new anti-heroes on board.

Even more interesting, however, is the fact that apparently, Warner Bros. gave Gunn power over life and death itself: "They said, 'You can kill anyone.' Warner were pretty much on board [with the story] from the beginning." That's a pretty impressive amount of freedom given to one man, especially considering how film universes like DC and Marvel tend to be fairly conservative with killing off major characters, in case fans want a comeback of some kind later on.

As it turns out, even Gunn found that level of control a bit intimidating: "They were very trusting of me throughout the entire process, almost to the degree to which I was frightened, because it really is all me, 100 percent – there's no one to blame if something goes wrong, except for myself!" That's certainly a heavy burden for any creator to bear, knowing that everything rests on their shoulders to some degree or another. Hopefully, when the film comes out, people won't be blaming Gunn for anything other than making a fantastic film. One way or another, audiences will see for themselves when The Suicide Squad premieres later this year.

Warner Bros. more than likely has faith in Gunn's vision considering production on a spin-off series with John Cena's Peacemaker is already underway. Fans need not worry about spoilers from the series, however, as it is reportedly set before the events of The Suicide Squad.

The Suicide Squad hits theaters and HBO Max on August 6th, 2021.

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Source: Total Film