James Gunn, co-head and CEO of DC Studios, has expressed his strong interest in bringing back the character Bloodsport, played by Idris Elba, into the new DC Universe. Gunn is actively exploring ways to re-integrate the character following his introduction in 2021’s The Suicide Squad.
Despite the film’s underperformance at the box office, grossing $168 million against a $185 million budget, Bloodsport stood out as a fan and critic favorite. Gunn acknowledged,
“I definitely am always looking for a place to put Bloodsport and figuring that out. So, we’ll see what happens,”
adding urgency to the ongoing effort to revive the character inside the DCU.
The Origins and Role of Bloodsport in the DC Comics and Films
Bloodsport, whose real name is Robert DuBois, originated in Superman #4 in 1987. In the comics, he is portrayed as a Vietnam War draft evader who carries deep guilt and is enlisted by Lex Luthor to assassinate Superman. This layered origin lends complexity to the anti-hero’s persona. On-screen, Idris Elba’s Bloodsport is depicted as a conflicted father coerced by Amanda Waller to lead Task Force X, with the stakes including his daughter’s freedom.
In The Suicide Squad, Bloodsport is imprisoned for shooting Superman with a Kryptonite bullet, marking him as a dangerous yet nuanced figure. The character’s presence continues in the DC Universe canon through a reference in the first episode of HBO Max’s Peacemaker, linking Bloodsport firmly to the wider DC narrative.
Idris Elba’s Experience and Impact in Superhero Franchises
Idris Elba is no newcomer to major comic-based franchises, having portrayed Heimdall, the all-seeing guardian and ally to Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His performance as Bloodsport brought a similar gravitas and complexity, contributing to the character’s lasting appeal despite the original film’s financial challenges. Elba’s involvement adds a significant weight to the ongoing discussions about Bloodsport’s place in the rebooted DC Universe by James Gunn.
Prospects for Other The Suicide Squad Characters in the New DC Universe
Bloodsport is not the only character from The Suicide Squad that James Gunn is considering for the new DC Universe. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gunn hinted at the possibility of Margot Robbie returning as Harley Quinn, another fan-favorite. While details remain uncertain, Gunn teased that whether Robbie’s return will happen
“will be revealed down the line.”
Gunn also shared on Threads that although he had
“talked to Margot about Harley for a long time,”
he would
“love to work with her again as Harley or as someone else.”
He clarified that there are currently
“no plans for anyone else to play Harley”
outside animated series or Lady Gaga’s interpretation in Joker: Folie à Deux.
Robbie herself has expressed enthusiasm for Harley Quinn evolving beyond her own portrayal. She remarked,
“I always wanted Harley to be a character that would get passed on to other actresses to play, the way there are so many iconic male characters. That was always the dream for her. Harley’s so fun and can go in so many different directions. You put her in someone else’s hands, and it’s like, ‘What are they going to do with her?’ The options are endless,”
highlighting the character’s enduring potential.
Looking Ahead for Bloodsport and the Evolving DC Universe
The initiative to bring Idris Elba’s Bloodsport back reflects James Gunn’s commitment to deepening and expanding the new DC Universe. Bloodsport’s complex motivations and ties to Superman create numerous narrative possibilities for future stories. Gunn’s efforts indicate a strategic focus on preserving strong characters from The Suicide Squad, blending familiar faces with fresh stories.
As the DC Universe continues to evolve under Gunn’s leadership, fans can anticipate more announcements about these characters’ roles and returns. The intention to revive Bloodsport suggests a thoughtful approach to maintaining continuity while introducing new creative directions, aiming to strengthen the franchise’s emotional depth and fan engagement.
