'Suicide Squad' Release Date, Cast Rumors: Viola Davis to Play Amanda Waller in Multi-Picture Deal
Previous rumors indicated that two-time Oscar nominee Viola Davis was being considered to play the part of Belle Reeve Prison's Amanda Waller in DC Universe's "Suicide Squad."
The Wrap reported that the "How to Get Away with Murder" star is now "nearing a multi-picture deal" with Warner Bros and DC Comics to suit up for a "key supporting role" in David Ayer's upcoming film "Suicide Squad."
With regards to the "multi-picture deal" aspect of the rumor, IGN.com speculated that Davis' Waller could serve as an overseeing character like that of Samuel Jackson's Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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"As for the other films in that multi-picture deal, it's not clear yet what those would be, but it seems logical for the Waller character to serve as a sort of Nick Fury-style connective character in the DC Cinematic Universe," the site stated.
Although devoid of any super human powers, Waller in the comic book canon is responsible for recruiting a team of detained super-villains and turned them into government agents in exchange for amnesty.
"Suicide Squad" is reported to see the acts of Tom Hardy, Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, and Cara Delevingne as Rick Flagg, Deadshot, The Joker, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, and Enchantress, respectively.
Speaking with Nerd Report, the 49-year-old TV actress admitted that she hasn't started reading the comic books yet. However, she said she's "fascinated" by the character.
"I'm fascinated by her in this world of superhero-ness because she is not a woman that you would expect. I think that she is a massive contradiction. She's this big powerful black woman, hard, ready to pick up a gun and shoot anyone at will. I'm fascinated in exploring her psychology, just put it that way. And I'm excited to pick up a gun," Davis said.
"Suicide Squad" is slated to open in theaters August 5, 2016.
