The Controversy Surrounding ‘The Suicide Squad’

The latest installment of The Suicide Squad has sparked debates regarding whether it is a reboot or a sequel. Here, we explore the nuances and clarifications to help you understand the nature of this cinematic journey better.

A Sequel in Disguise

The 2021 The Suicide Squad is technically a sequel to the 2016 film of the same name. Much like its predecessor, it follows similar characters – Amanda Waller, Rick Flag, and Harley Quinn – but delves into a new plot and style. The 2021 Suicide Squad Review highlights that despite the familiar faces, this film offers a fresh experience with new members, a new tone, and enhanced quality. While you could enjoy the original for context, the 2021 version stands as a compelling standalone story.

Continuity and Disconnect

The narrative of The Suicide Squad spans a non-linear timeline, with Harley Quinn as a central character. Her story arcs through different events: imprisonment, a breakout, a connection with Batman, and a mission involving Captain Boomerang. While Harley Quinn remains a significant part of this new cinematic universe, the movie explores a fresh storyline without directly referencing every detail from the 2016 film.

Some argue that the film is more of a soft reboot, as evidenced by the familiar cast and the acknowledgment of the previous film’s events. For example, Amanda Waller explains the mission to the characters in the trailer with the phrase “you know the drill,” which is a reference to their previous missions. However, significant changes such as the absence of El Diablo from the new squad further support its narrative independence.

DC’s CINEMATIC UNIVERSE (DCEU) Inception

The Suicide Squad 2021 is indeed a sequel to its 2016 predecessor and continues the DCEU saga. While details from the original film are referenced, the movie is not strictly a reboot. Characters like Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney, and Viola Davis return, but the focus is on updated storylines and fresh character dynamics. This indicates that the movie is part of DC’s greater cinematic universe, prepared for future crossovers and narrative expansions.

Contrary to some popular theories, the latest The Suicide Squad is not the only DCEU film. The current slate of DC films – including The Batman and future Joker films with Joaquin Phoenix – are also part of this universe, although they likely maintain their own individual arcs. The 2021 film integrates well into the larger DCEU, allowing for a cohesive narrative experience for fans of the franchise.

Consensus and Conclusion

To summarize, while The Suicide Squad (2021) is a sequel to the 2016 film, it is not a strict reboot. The movie retains key characters from the original and acknowledges its place in the DCEU. However, it introduces new storylines, characters, and a distinct tone that sets it apart from its predecessor. Fans of the series can enjoy this new installment without feeling a significant gap in their knowledge of the earlier film.

In the broader context of the DCEU, the 2021 Suicide Squad serves as a continuation of the initial narrative, providing a fresh, standalone story that can be appreciated on its own merits. As the market is filled with such cinematic endeavors, viewers are encouraged to engage with the DCEU through multiple entries, each contributing to a larger, interconnected universe.