Suicide Squad 2: Mel Gibson - who hates superhero films - courted by Warner Bros. to direct DCEU sequel

The first film starred Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Jared Leto

Mel Gibson at the Venice Film Festival (Getty)

After 10 years of being blacklisted by Hollywood after being arrested for drunk driving and making anti-Semitic comments, Mel Gibson has made a miraculous comeback, even being nominated for an Oscar.

As such, the Hacksaw Ridge director and former Mad Max is reportedly being courted by Warner Bros. to direct the sequel to Suicide Squad. Yes, really.

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news, detailing how no official offer has been made but that Gibson is currently familiarising himself with the material.

UPDATE: Speaking at a screening of Hacksaw Ridge, Gibson confirmed talks were underway with the studio.

“So is this getting close to a deal or is it a first date?,” the director was asked, to which he replied: “It’s kind of a first date."

Interestingly, Gibson recently called Warner Bros. other 2016 superhero film Batman v Superman "a piece of sh*t," adding: “I’m not interested in the stuff. Do you know what the difference between real superheroes and comic book superheroes is? Real superheroes didn’t wear spandex."

Has Gibson had a change of heart? Deciding not to put all their eggs in one basket, the studio is also looking to other directors, including Daniel Espinosa, who’s next film Life stars Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Rebecca Ferguson.

The first Suicide Squad - which starred Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Jared Leto - was directed by David Ayer and grossed $745 million worldwide despite negative reviews.

Ayer is currently working on spin-off Gotham City Sirens, a female-focussed villain flick that will once again feature Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn.

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Gibson being asked to direct no doubt comes off the back of the Oscar-nominated Hacksaw Ridge, which starred Andrew Garfield in the leading role.

The actor/director has found himself with numerous work offers in Hollywood, including crime thriller Dragged Across Concrete, which will see him re-team with Vince Vaughn.