‘Suicide Squad 2’ Eyes Mel Gibson as Director Despite Distaste for Genre

The hunt is on to take over directing duties for Warner Bros.' "Suicide Squad 2". Of the shortlist of candidates, though, an interesting name stands out: Mel Gibson.

The "Suicide Squad 2" shortlist includes the names of Daniel Espinosa of "Safe House", Ruben Fleischer of "Zombieland" and Jonathan Levine of "Warm Bodies". According to Variety, an insider source claims that Gibson is highly-favored for the job, and if he wants it, the 'Suicide Squad 2" is technically his.

While each director is capable to take the reigns for "Suicide Squad 2", what makes the inclusion of the "Hacksaw Ridge" director interesting is that he has been vocal about his negative views about the superhero genre.  In the past, he was quoted giving derogatory remarks Warner Bros.' "Batman v. Superman", while calling movies under Marvel Cinematic Universe more violent that the movies he made.

Shortly after the shortlist was revealed, Gibson has confirmed that he is talking with Warner Bros. about "Suicide Squad 2". Calling it more of a 'first date' than closing the deal, IGN reported that the actor/director discussed about his plans for the sequel at the latter part of his interview for the movie "Hacksaw Ridge". He is also familiarizing himself with the material, and is reportedly excited to work with Will Smith, who is set to play as Deadshot in "Suicide Squad 2".

David Ayer, director of the first "Suicide Squad", won't be coming back to "Suicide Squad 2", as he will be working on "Gotham City Sirens", a spinoff movie for Harley Quinn that Margot Robbie will star and produce. A solo "Deadshot" film is being planned as well, with Smith potentially reprising the role.

Released in August 2016, "Suicide Squad" was met with positive box office returns, grossing $475 million worldwide. Reviews for the movie, however, have been mostly negative, though Jared Leto's Joker and Robbie's Harley Quinn was met with good remarks.

"Suicide Squad 2" is scheduled to film in 2017.