James Gunn’s comments about him looking to bring back one DCEU movie hero in theDCUsuggest the franchise is set to bring back the $13 billion movie star that played the role.The DCU timelineis finally starting to get fully underway, withCreature CommandosandSupermannow having released, and withPeacemakerseason 2 on the near horizon.
The steadily building DCU world has revealed much so far, including unveiling a number of DCEU actors who will be reprising their previous roles in the DCU, like John Cena’s Peacemaker. That said, James Gunn’s latest comments about another DCEU character he’s hoping to bring back raises the prospect of a major name becoming an official part of the DCU.
James Gunn Has Said He’s “Looking For” How To Bring Idris Elba’s DCEU Character Back Into The DCU
With a host of other DCEU characters who appeared inThe Suicide Squadreturning, questions have naturally been asked about whether other figures will return in the DCU now the 2021 film is now largely DC Universe canon. The latest of these questions were posed to James Gunn recently by Entertainment Weekly, with the DCU co-CEO providing some interesting answers.
Whenasked about Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and Idris Elba’s Bloodsport, Gunn stated Harley’s fate “will be revealed down the line,” suggesting future DCU releases will make this clear for viewers. On the topic of Bloodsport, Gunn mentioned that:
“I definitely am always looking for a place to put Bloodsport and figuring that out… So we’ll see what happens.”
With plenty of DC Universe releases on the horizon - and seemingly plenty of room for more characters, especially given how many we’ve already gotten inSupermanandCreature Commandosalone - this seems promising for the prospect of the character’s return. While it’s not definite, this also bodes well for Idris Elba returning as Bloodsport inupcoming DCU releases.
Though it’s entirely possible the decision could be made to recast the character, Elba’s Bloodsport was a standout addition toThe Suicide Squad. As such, bringing the actor back in the role would thus have a wide selection of advantages and benefits for the franchise.
Idris Elba Returning In The DC Universe Would Be Huge For The Franchise
Idris Elba has very much demonstrated his acting potential over the course of his filmography. Indeed, Idris Elba’s collective acting credits combine to a total of $13.8 billion (as per The Numbers), meaningElba has been involved in close to $14 billion worth of films across the span of his on-screen history.
With a range of television roles to match this, having an established and esteemed actor return to his DC role for the DC Universe would naturally have benefits in terms of ensuring Bloodsport is played by a talented actor, and in terms of adding another household name to the franchise for audiences.
Elba’s story as Bloodsport beginning 4 years ago would also mean the DCU would have more to build upon for the character and his prospective arc. SinceCreature Commandosbuilds offThe Suicide Squad’s ending - andPeacemakerseason 2 looks to do the same - this would seem to slot in with the trajectory the DC Universe is already aiming for.
Bloodsport becoming an antihero over the course ofThe Suicide Squadadditionally means the character’s future could go in whatever direction the DCU needed it to. Bloodsport could align himself with the likes of Waller or Lex Luthor like in the comics once again, or he could forge his own path, which would be fascinating to see on its own.
The DCU’s Returning DCEU Actors Make Idris Elba’s Bloodsport Return Also Look More Likely
Currently,almost every returning DCEU actor who is now in the DC Universe is reprising the role they played inThe Suicide SquadorPeacemaker- with Viola Davis' Amanda Waller, John Cena’s Peacemaker, Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante, and Danielle Brooks' Leota Adebayo being just a few examples. As such, the prospect of Idris Elba returning as Bloodsport seems more possible.
The events ofThe Suicide Squadalready play an important role in the DCU’s story. Rick Flag Jr’s death is key inCreature Commandosand seeminglyPeacemakerseason 2 - thanks to his father, Rick Flag Sr - and Waller being banned from working with human teams also draws from her daughter revealing her ties toThe Suicide Squad’s Task Force X.
As such, having more characters from the movie come back would help tie these threads even closer together, and further capitalize on the first building block of sorts the franchise has drawn from. Since Bloodsport was one of the most beloved figures in the film, there doesn’t seem to be any real downside to this approach.
Similarly, this all makes it theoretically seem easier for James Gunn to find a story to bring Bloodsport back in. Rather than having to fully introduce a new character, Bloodsport’s story is already linked with figures like Waller and Peacemaker, though his last on-screen scenes suggest he’s more likely to act in opposition to them now he’s a free man.
Though it’s unlikely another Suicide Squad movie is on theDCU’s horizon anytime soon - and unlikely Bloodsport would be in the team even if that were the case, based onThe Suicide Squad’s ending - the way in which other former DCEU characters and actors have been brought back certainly suggests the $13 billion actor could reprise the role soon.
