NEW YORK: Action icon Sylvester Stallone has joined the cast of The Suicide Squad, according to the standalone sequel’s director James Gunn.
Gunn took to Instagram to make the announcement, writing opposite a selfie of him and Stallone, “Always love working with my friend Sylvester Stallone & our work today on TheSuicideSquad was no exception.”
He then added, “Despite Sly being an iconic film star, most people still don’t have any idea what an amazing actor this guy is.”
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When a fan asked in the comments if this means Stallone is involved with the film, Gunn replied, “Yep.” Gunn previously said that filming had concluded in February, so it remains unclear as to what extent Stallone will appear.
Stallone later confirmed the news on his Instagram, posting a photo of Deadline‘s report and writing: “Working with this incredible Director on this astounding project has made this an amazing year. I am a very lucky man to be surrounded by such talent.”
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The Suicide Squad is a follow-up to the popular 2016 film helmed by David Ayer. Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” is set to release on Aug. 6, 2021 and stars Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Peter Capaldi and Viola Davis.
Gunn, who also wrote the screenplay, took inspiration from the ’80s “Suicide Squad” comics and will incorporate new characters into the storyline. Stallone worked with Gunn previously on “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2,” in which he played Stakar Ogord, who turns into the hero Starhawk.