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James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad': Who is Idris Elba really playing in the movie? Bronze Tiger or Deathstroke?

Idris Elba's undisclosed role has certainly got the fans thinking and theorizing. Initially, it was rumored that he'd be playing Deadshot replacing Will Smith, but now it's confirmed Elba will be essaying a completely different character

With James Gunn announcing the cast members for his 'The Suicide Squad', speculation is rife about who plays who. Idris Elba's undisclosed role has certainly got the fans thinking and theorizing. Initially, it was rumored that he'd be playing Deadshot replacing Will Smith, but now it's confirmed Elba will be essaying a completely different character. 

Bronze Tiger

The safest bet right now on who Elba plays could be Bronze Tiger, one of John Ostrander's original Task Force X members. Known as Ben Turner, Bronze Tiger is a strapping, expert martial artist who's had a fair share of scrimmage against Batman. He also fits into the antihero category seamlessly and played an important role in Ostrander's Suicide Squad comic run.  He eventually becomes the team's leader and with Gunn commenting that Ostrander's run is the definitive version, Bronze Tiger may just be the part Elba would be roped in for.

Michael Jai White portrays Bronze Tiger in the second and seventh seasons of The CW television series 'Arrow'.

Deathstroke

While Deadshot is no go, Deathstroke is most definitely a possibility. Especially when rumors by GWW were milling that Gunn was looking at an actress to play Elba's character's daughter who is estranged from him. Now, this passes on some references to Deathstroke. Also, it is an interesting movie considering there are a lot of aesthetic similarities between Deadshot and Deathstroke, not to forget, both of them have daughters. 

Aka Slade Wilson, Deathstroke is a military tactical genius with years of military experience, and an expert in many forms of unarmed combat and martial arts as well, serving as a master of Krav Maga, Kung Fu, Bōjutsu, Boxing, Jojutsu, Judo, Jujitsu, Karate, and Ninjutsu. His physical and mental attributes have been enhanced as a result of the experimental serum he was given; he possesses heightened strength, agility, durability, and reflexes.

There is a bit of blip here though since DCEU already has a Deathstroke in Joe Manganiello. He appeared briefly in Justice League's after-credits. It is still unclear if he's slated to appear on screen again, but with his name not appearing in the cast list, it remains to be seen if the studio is ready to move on from Manganiello. 

Which character do you think is a perfect fit for Elba? Our money is on Bronze Tiger,

James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad' releases on August 6, 2021.