It was way back in 2016 when the American superhero movie “Suicide Squad” was shown on the big screen. Now, reports suggest that the DC Comics anti-hero team is set to have a sequel, which will possibly be directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, who helmed the shark film “The Shallows.”

Mel Gibson was considered first to direct ‘Suicide Squad 2’

According to the Hollywood Reporter, mel gibson confirmed a couple of months ago that Warner Bros. did indeed talk to him about helming the sequel to the 2016 film. It can be recalled that the first installment was directed by David Ayer.

However, since Ayer is pre-occupied with another project in the DC extended universe, Gibson might have been seen as the best man to fill the directorial seat.

It was noted that the possible reason why Warner Bros. considered Mel Gibson to helm Suicide Squad 2 may be because of the actor director’s recent success in his 2016 film “Hacksaw Ridge.” The war drama movie, which was based on the World War II experience of Desmond Doss, received 6 nominations in the Oscars, including the nomination for Best Director.

Mel Gibson no longer the choice to direct the sequel?

Although it has been confirmed that Warner Bros. sat down with Gibson for “Suicide Squad 2,” there was no confirmation that the studio made a deal with the actor-director.

As a matter of fact, Jaumet Collet-Serra now owns the number one spot on the list of directors to possibly helm the sequel of the anti-hero movie, Screen Rant has learned. Serra was best known for his films such as the 2009 horror “Orphan” and the 2016 survival thriller “The Shallows.”

Other names who are linked to direct the second installment includes "Life" director Daniel Espinosa and "Warm Bodies" Jonathan Levine.

In regard to the production of the second installment, it is said that Warner Bros. is aiming to begin filming “Suicide Squad 2” by mid-2018. It was noted that the sequel was supposed to start earlier than the said date; however, it has been delayed as the script needed to be re-written. Zack Penn, known for screenwriting “The Avengers,” is said to be tasked to rewrite the scenes of the movie.

The report speculated that since “Suicide Squad 2” may possibly start filming in mid-2018, there is a chance that fans could see the movie by late 2019; however, the safest date of release would be in 2020.

‘Suicide Squad 2’ possible plot

The story of the sequel may shift its focus to Margot Robbie’s character Harley Quinn. The love-line between the psychiatrist-turned-psychopath and Joker may also be featured in the upcoming film.

Watch all trailers of "Suicide Squad" below: