Suicide Squad Writer Reacts To Casting

"They picked WHO?!" was the reaction we were expecting from comic fans when Warner Bros.' revealed the cast of their Suicide Squad adaptation. "They've done WHAT?!" was the angry retort we guessed would come from its writer, John Ostrander. What we didn't see coming were the unanimous calls to see Oprah Winfrey added to the list of Hollywood stars.

Speaking to Comic Book Resources, the writer of the modern day Suicide Squad series has nothing but kind words for Warner Bros.' handling the franchise. "I was pleased," said Ostrander, "but I wouldn't have guessed that it would have been one of the properties that [Warner Bros.] would do quite so quickly. That's a heck of a slot. It's the first movie after Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. That places them pretty high and sure, that pleases me."

With the likes of Will Smith, Jared Leto and Tom Hardy on board, Ostrander has been greatly encouraged that the studio is putting so much behind a little-known comic series. 

"What I am really impressed by with all of the casting is that they are getting some very good actors to play these parts. That means Warner Bros. is very serious about this movie. They are serious about the concept. I think Hardy is an excellent actor. Jared Leto as The Joker? Oh, my. This is his first film since winning an Academy Award! That's pretty high profile for a film called Suicide Squad. They are taking this very seriously." 

One casting decision yet to be announced for the upcoming DC adaptation is for the squad's straight talking leader Amanda Waller - parallel to The Avengers' Nick Fury. When casting rumours first started circling, a popular choice amongst comic fans was that of Oprah Winfrey - an opinion Ostrander shares.

"Oprah was actually at the top of my list!" said Ostrander. "She showed in The Colour Purple that she's a really good actor, and she's got the attitude for Waller. And they're all of the same general build, which I made for Waller. I like that, as well. I think Queen Latifah would be a good fit, too. She almost did Waller when she did Chicago. She certainly has the attitude."

We'll bring you news of Amanda Waller's casting as soon as it breaks.

(Image: DC) 

[Via: Comic Book Resources]