Suicide Squad 2: Jaume Collet-Serra frontrunner to direct

Mel Gibson stepped away after a delayed production period

(Clay Enos)

Despite making millions at the box office, both fans and critics alike were disappointed by Suicide Squad, the villainous team-up that promised so much but failed to deliver.

As with everything that makes money, Hollywood is making a sequel. While little is currently known about the sequel, Jaume Collet-Serra is reportedly being pursued to direct, becoming Warner Bros. favourite after Mel Gibson stepped away due to production delays.

The news regarding Collet-Serra — who recently helmed shark thriller The Shallows — comes from The Hollywood Reporter, who say the studio is eyeing a mid-2018 start

Sources tell the publication a new script treatment from Avengers and Ready Player One adapter Zak Penn is currently being worked on. Previously, The Legend of Tarzan’s Adam Cozad was thought to be writing.

Collet-Serra built a reputation in Hollywood after numerous action collaborations with Liam Neeson, including Unknown, Non-Stop, Run All Night and The Commuter. According to the report, Warner Bros has been seeking to work with the director since March.

David Ayer - who wrote and directed the initial Oscar-winning instalment - will definitely not be back for the second film, which stars Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Jared Leto.

Ayer and Robbie, however, will be working together once again on the upcoming spin-off Gotham City Sirens, which will focus on the DC Universe’s numerous female villains.