History Trivia / TheSuicideSquad

* IKnewIt:
** When Creator/SylvesterStallone was revealed to be joining the cast, a lot of fans guessed that he would be voicing King Shark.
** When Creator/PeteDavidson's character was revealed to be Blackguard, an obscure villain even by the film's standards with a much less creative costume than the rest of the cast, many fans correctly predicted that [[spoiler:he'd be the first character to die]]. Many guesses that in the sheer basis that Davidson felt so wildly out of place in the cast, not to mention the fact that he was barely in the advertising.
** Due to the bloating of the cast, many fans guessed [[spoiler:most of the team would die early on to set up the stakes. They also correctly guessed that most of the bigger names would survive.]]
** After the final trailer came out, a common theory was that [[spoiler:Polka Dot Man's line "I'm a superhero!" would turn out to be his last words.]]

** [[Film/TheAccountant2016 Gavin O'Connor]] was the first choice to direct the movie before Creator/JamesGunn was hired. However, O'Connor departed the project due to various CreativeDifferences over the script, the film's continuous filming delays, and scheduling conflicts with Will Smith's production schedule, as well as studio concerns that the script was too structurally similar to Cathy Yan's ''Film/BirdsOfPrey''. O’Connor’s script would've reportedly featured ComicBook/BlackAdam and ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}, [[https://thegww.com/exclusive-the-suicide-squad-audition-sample-scene-possibly-reveals-first-plot-details who would've been depicted as a brainwashed alien bruiser who was forced to work for the antagonists.]] [[note]]''VideoGame/SuicideSquadKillTheJusticeLeague'' looks like it is going to use that concept.[[/note]]

* BoxOfficeBomb: Budget: $185 million. Total box office gross as of 2022: $167.4 million. The failure was attributed to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, its simultaneous release on streaming, the R-rating and lack of advertising, and confusion on its relationship with the previous ''Film/SuicideSquad''.

** Creator/IsabelaMerced auditioned for the role of Ratcatcher 2 before Creator/DanielaMelchior was cast. Merced would later play [[Characters/{{Hawkman}} Hawkgirl]] in ''Superman: Legacy''.

** Creator/IsabelaMerced auditioned for the role of Ratcatcher 2 before Creator/DanielaMelchior was cast.
** Creator/MichaelRosenbaum was approached for an unspecified part, but turned down the offer due to complications with his neck surgery at the time.

*** [[Film/TheCommuter Jaume Collet-Serra]] was also offered to direct the movie, but turned it down due to scheduling commitments to ''Film/JungleCruise''. Collet-Serra would eventually go on to direct ''Film/{{Black Adam|2022}}''.

** The film was widely acclaimed by critics and is considered among the best films of the Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse, but ended up a BoxOfficeBomb due to a number of factors, including of course the ongoing UsefulNotes/COVID19Pandemic and consequently a less expansive marketing campaign than [[Film/SuicideSquad2016 the first film]]. It was also hit by a surge in attention to the ExecutiveMeddling the first film underwent (which often superseded discussion about the new film even in mainstream media) and the loss of that film's most reliable box office draws, Creator/WillSmith and [[Characters/BatmanTheJoker the Joker]]. Anecdotal reports indicate [[TheTheTitleConfusion the title]] and largely new cast also caused confusion as to whether the film was a sequel or a reboot. It still managed to be quite successful on Creator/HBOMax with its same-day release (the second biggest on the service after ''Film/{{Mortal Kombat|2021}}''). Despite the poor financial performance, the strong positive reactions to the film and ''Series/{{Peacemaker|2022}}'' (which was already filmed at the time ''The Suicide Squad'' opened) allowed Creator/JamesGunn to stay on board for further work in the DCEU, and eventually be put in charge of Creator/DCStudios.

** The film got the best reviews in France for a DC Comics-inspired theatrical film possibly since ''Film/TheDarkKnight'', but got hammered there by the COVID-19 vaccine pass that was required to access theaters (which reportedly slashed the overall box office there by ''seventy per cent'' in the days after it was enforced). It also faced two heavyweight competitors in the comedy department, ''Film/KaamelottPremierVolet'' and ''Film/OSS117FromAfricaWithLove'', which were long-awaited and soaked up most of the available air. To wit, [[Film/SuicideSquad2016 the first film]] pulled over 300,000 cinema admissions on its first day -- ''The Suicide Squad'' pulled barely over 50,000.

* PlayingWithCharacterType: At face value, Peacemaker being a dramatic CaptainPatriotic archetype seems to fit the public image that Wrestling/JohnCena established during his time with WWE. But while Cena's usual public image is a sincere and idealistic AllLovingHero, Peacemaker is a [[CorruptedCharacterCopy psychotic, twisted perversion of the archetype] that borders on villainy]], ultimately serving as a stark contrast to Cena's consistently heroic persona from his pro wrestling career.

* PlayingWithCharacterType: At face value, Peacemaker being a dramatic CaptainPatriotic archetype seems to fit the public image that Wrestling/JohnCena established during his time with WWE. But while Cena's usual public image is a sincere and idealistic AllLovingHero, Peacemaker is a psychotic, twisted perversion of the archetype that borders on villainy, ultimately serving as a stark contrast to Cena's consistently heroic persona from his pro wrestling career.

** James Gunn brought people from ''Film/{{Super}}'' and the ''Guardians of the Galaxy'' films such as Creator/NathanFillion, his younger brother Creator/{{Sean|Gunn}}, Creator/MichaelRooker, and Creator/SylvesterStallone.

** In the Latin American Spanish dub, Karla Falcón returns as Harley from previous adaptations and films. Likewise, Creator/IrwinDaayan, Creator/LauraTorres and Óscar Flores also return from the previous film as Flag, Waller and Captain Boomerang respectively.

** [[Film/TheAccountant Gavin O'Connor]] was the first choice to direct the movie before Creator/JamesGunn was hired. However, O'Connor departed the project due to various CreativeDifferences over the script, the film's continuous filming delays, and scheduling conflicts with Will Smith's production schedule, as well as studio concerns that the script was too structurally similar to Cathy Yan's ''Film/BirdsOfPrey''. O’Connor’s script would've reportedly featured ComicBook/BlackAdam and ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}, [[https://thegww.com/exclusive-the-suicide-squad-audition-sample-scene-possibly-reveals-first-plot-details who would've been depicted as a brainwashed alien bruiser who was forced to work for the antagonists.]] [[note]]''VideoGame/SuicideSquadKillTheJusticeLeague'' looks like it is going to use that concept.[[/note]]

** Noticeably, only four members of the previous film's large cast are reappearing here: Creator/MargotRobbie (Harley Quinn) fresh off ''Film/{{Birds of Prey|2020}}'', Creator/JoelKinnaman (Rick Flag), Creator/ViolaDavis (Amanda Waller), and Creator/JaiCourtney (Captain Boomerang).

** Creator/IdrisElba was originally cast to [[TheOtherDarrin replace]] Creator/WillSmith as ComicBook/{{Deadshot}} after Smith passed on the film, allegedly due to scheduling issues. Elba's role was eventually rewritten into a new major character, Bloodsport, so as to leave the door open in case Smith wanted to return in future installments. As such, Storm Reid's character, Tyla, was initially written as Zoe, Deadshot's daughter from [[Film/SuicideSquad2016 the first movie.]]

* RelationshipVoiceActor: The Japanese dub, being an AllStarCast, has many voice actors who worked together before:
** From ''Franchise/{{Naruto}}'': Harley (Kanako Tojo) is Karin, [[Creator/TesshoGenda King Shark]] is Kurama, [[Creator/HisaoEgawa Captain Boomerang]] is Killer Bee, [[Creator/SatoshiHino Javelin]] is Sai, Mateo Suarez (Katsumi Cho) is Mifune, and [[Creator/NanaMizuki Emilia Hartcourt]] is Hinata Hyuga.
** From ''Webcomic/OnePunchMan'': [[Creator/TesshoGenda King Shark]] is Metal Knight, [[Creator/MamoruMiyano Polka-Dot Man]] is Amai Mask, [[Creator/KenjiroTsuda Silvio Luna]] is Atomic Samurai, and [[Creator/AoiYuuki Ratcatcher 2]] is Tatsumaki.
** From ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'': [[Creator/AoiYuuki Ratcatcher 2]] is Tsuyu Asui, [[Creator/KoichiYamadera Bloodsport]] is Gentle Criminal, [[Creator/AkioOtsuka Peacemaker]] is All For One and [[Creator/KenjiroTsuda Silvio Luna]] is Overhaul.
** From ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam00'': [[Creator/MamoruMiyano Polka-Dot Man]] is Setsuna F. Seiei and [[Creator/HisaoEgawa Captain Boomerang]] is Arthur Goodman.
** From ''Anime/CrossAnge'': [[Creator/NanaMizuki Emilia Hartcourt]] is Ange, [[Creator/MamoruMiyano Polka-Dot Man]] is Tusk, and [[Creator/KoichiYamadera Bloodsport]] is Ange's father Jurai.
** From ''Franchise/OnePiece'': [[Creator/AtsushiMiyauchi Flag]] is Vinsmoke Niji, Waller (Noriko Uemura) is Curly Dadan, [[Creator/HisaoEgawa Captain Boomerang]] is Kuroobi, [[Creator/TesshoGenda King Shark]] is Kaido, [[Creator/KoichiYamadera Bloodsport]] is Corazon, [[Creator/AkioOtsuka Peacemaker]] is Blackbeard, [[Creator/NanaMizuki Emilia Hartcourt]] is Kozuki Hiyori/Komurasaki, [[Creator/FumihikoTachiki Savant]] is Akainu and Don Krieg, and [[Creator/KenjiroTsuda Silvio Luna]] is Vinsmoke Yonji.
** From the Japanese dub of the Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse: [[Creator/AtsushiMiyauchi Flag]] is Bruce Banner/Hulk, [[Creator/KoichiYamadera Bloodsport]] is Peter Quill/Star-Lord, [[Creator/FumihikoTachiki Savant]] is Yondu, [[Creator/NanaMizuki Emilia Hartcourt]] is Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel, [[Creator/KenjiroTsuda Silvio Luna]] is Killmonger and [[Creator/AkioOtsuka Peacemaker]] is Red Guardian.
** From ''Franchise/StreetFighter'': [[Creator/AkioOtsuka Peacemaker]] is Seth, [[Creator/FumihikoTachiki Savant]] is Gill, and [[Creator/AoiYuuki Ratcatcher 2]] is Menat.
** From ''Franchise/NeonGenesisEvangelion'': [[Creator/KoichiYamadera Bloodsport]] is Ryoji Kaji, [[Creator/FumihikoTachiki Savant]] is Gendo, and [[Creator/AkioOtsuka Peacemaker]] is Kohji Takao.
** From ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'': [[Creator/MamoruMiyano Polka-Dot Man]] is Riku, [[Creator/AkioOtsuka Peacemaker]] is Ansem (Xehanort's Heartless), [[Creator/KoichiYamadera Bloodsport]] is Donald Duck and many other characters, and [[Creator/TesshoGenda King Shark]] is Tigger.
** A cross-language example: Ratcatcher 2's English and Japanese actressess, Creator/DanielaMelchior and Creator/AoiYuuki respectively, both voiced [[WesternAnimation/SpidermanIntoTheSpiderverse Gwen Stacy]] in both European Portuguese and Japanese dubs respectively.

* ColbertBump: The character of Peacemaker was a D-list DC hero at best and his only real claim to fame was inspiring The Comedian from ''Comicbook/{{Watchmen}}''. However, in the wake of this film - which recast him as a cold-blooded jackboot - his popularity positively ''skyrocketed'', leading to a spin-off TV show, a starring role in the recent ''Suicide Squad'' comic, and his own comic mini-series.

* MarthDebutedInSmashBros: At one point in the movie, a small ComicStrip/{{Mafalda}} keychain is seen hanging by a windshield inside Milton's truck. While Mafalda (created by Creator/{{Quino}}) is very well-known in the Spanish speaking world (especially Spain and Argentina) and somewhat well known in the Francophone world (thanks to the 1980s animated series being dubbed there), the series is completely unknown to English-speaking markets (especially the U.S. and Canada with the exception of Québec) and some non-Spanish speaking countries mistaking her for Lucy from the ComicStrip/{{Peanuts}} series.

** James Gunn brought people from ''Film/{{Super}}'' and the ''Guardians of the Galaxy'' films such as Creator/NathanFillion, his younger brother [[Creator/SeanGunn Sean]], Creator/MichaelRooker, and Creator/SylvesterStallone.

* VindicatedByCable: The film was a huge hit for HBO Max, being the most-watched DC Films project between it, ''Film/WonderWoman1984'', and ''Film/ZackSnydersJusticeLeague'', and having viewership levels comparable to Amazon's ''Film/TheTomorrowWar'' (a project on a larger budget which was still successful enough to develop a sequel for). It did well enough that DC reiterated that Creator/JamesGunn had a future there beyond ''[[Series/Peacemaker2022 Peacemaker]]'' despite disappointing box office returns, and a short segment at DC [=FanDome=] specifically thanked fans for watching the movie on the service or in theaters.

** Creator/DaveBautista had discussions for the part of Comicbook/{{Peacemaker}} before the casting of Wrestling/JohnCena. However, Bautista turned it down due to filming conflicts with ''Film/ArmyOfTheDead''.

** [[Film/TheAccountant Gavin O'Connor]] was the first choice to direct the movie before Creator/JamesGunn was hired. However, O'Connor departed the project due to various Main/CreativeDifferences over the script, the film's continuous filming delays, and scheduling conflicts with Will Smith's production schedule, as well as studio concerns that the script was too structurally similar to Cathy Yan's ''Film/BirdsOfPrey''. O’Connor’s script would've reportedly featured Comicbook/BlackAdam and Comicbook/{{Supergirl}}, [[https://thegww.com/exclusive-the-suicide-squad-audition-sample-scene-possibly-reveals-first-plot-details who would've been depicted as a brainwashed alien bruiser who was forced to work for the antagonists.]] [[note]]''VideoGame/SuicideSquadKillTheJusticeLeague'' looks like it is going to use that concept.[[/note]]

** Gunn's regular collaborator Tyler Bates was initially set to the score the film, and he even wrote material during pre-production for use during shooting (as he did for the ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'' series), but left the project for unknown reasons, with John Murphy taking over scoring duties.

** The film was widely acclaimed by critics and is considered among the best films of the Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse, but ended up a BoxOfficeBomb due to a number of factors, including of course the ongoing UsefulNotes/COVID19Pandemic and consequently a less expansive marketing campaign than [[Film/SuicideSquad2016 the first film]]. It was also hit by a surge in attention to the ExecutiveMeddling the first film underwent (which often superseded discussion about the new film even in mainstream media) and the loss of that film's most reliable box office draw, Creator/WillSmith. Anecdotal reports indicate [[TheTheTitleConfusion the title]] and largely new cast also caused confusion as to whether the film was a sequel or a reboot. It still managed to be quite successful on Creator/HBOMax with its same-day release (the second biggest on the service after ''Film/{{Mortal Kombat|2021}}''). Despite the poor financial performance, the strong positive reactions to the film and ''Series/{{Peacemaker|2022}}'' (which was already filmed at the time ''The Suicide Squad'' opened) allowed Creator/JamesGunn to stay on board for further work in the DCEU, and eventually be put in charge of Creator/DCStudios.

** The film was widely acclaimed by critics and is considered among the best films of the Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse, but ended up a BoxOfficeBomb due to a number of factors, including of course the ongoing UsefulNotes/COVID19Pandemic and consequently a less expansive marketing campaign than [[Film/SuicideSquad2016 the first film]]. It was also hit by a surge in attention to the ExecutiveMeddling the first film underwent (which often superseded discussion about the new film even in mainstream media) and the loss of that film's most reliable box office draw, Creator/WillSmith. Anecdotal reports indicate [[TheTheTitleConfusion the title]] and largely new cast also caused confusion as to whether the film was a sequel or a reboot. It still managed to be quite successful on Creator/HBOMax with its same-day release (the second biggest on the service after ''Film/{{Mortal Kombat|2021}}''). Despite the poor financial performance, the strong positive reactions to the film and the success of ''Series/{{Peacemaker|2022}}'' (which was already filmed at the time ''The Suicide Squad'' opened) allowed Creator/JamesGunn to stay on board for further work in the DCEU, and eventually be put in charge of DC's Film and TV division entirely.
** The film got the best reviews in France for a DC Comics-inspired theatrical film possibly since ''Film/TheDarkKnight'', but got hammered there by the COVID-19 vaccine pass that's required to access theaters (which reportedly slashed the overall box office there by ''seventy per cent'' in the days after it was enforced). It also faced two heavyweight competitors in the comedy department, ''Film/KaamelottPremierVolet'' and ''Film/OSS117FromAfricaWithLove'', which were long-awaited and soaked up most of the available air. To wit, [[Film/SuicideSquad2016 the first film]] pulled over 300,000 cinema admissions on its first day -- ''The Suicide Squad'' pulled barely over 50,000.

** Katana was originally planned to return for this but her role was cut when James Gunn took over and retooled it into a SoftReboot along with opting to have Rick Flagg as the only non-villainous member and due to Katana's actress Creator/KarenFukuhara's busy commitments with ''Series/TheBoys2019''.

** James Gunn admitted that, at one point, he wanted Superman to be the bad guy but ultimately went against it.

** Flo Crawley was originally going to get arrested at the end of the film for [[spoiler: knocking out Waller with her own golf club to save the Squad]] but the scene was trimmed for numerous reasons. This is why John Economos and Emilia Harcourt are the only ones returning for the spin-off ''Series/Peacemaker2022'' and the scene would later be added to the recap of the film for show.

** Creator/MichaelRosenbaum was approached for an unspecified part but turned down the offer due to complications with his neck surgery at the time.

** Creator/DaveBautista had discussions for the part of Comicbook/{{Peacemaker}} before the casting of Wrestling/JohnCena. However, Bautista turned it down due to filming conflicts with ''Film/ArmyOfTheDead''. James Gunn even said that Bautista practically ''begged'' for Gunn's blessing to take the latter role since they were such good friends, and he always wanted to work with Creator/ZackSnyder.

*** Creator/MelGibson, Creator/RubenFleischer, Creator/JonathanLevine, and Creator/DanielEspinosa were considered to direct the film as well before Gunn was hired.

** From ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'': [[Creator/AoiYuuki Ratcatcher 2]] is Tsuyu Asui, [[Creator/KoichiYamadera Bloodsport]] is Gentle Criminal, [[Creator/AkioOhtsuka Peacemaker]] is All For One and [[Creator/KenjiroTsuda Silvio Luna]] is Overhaul.

** From ''Franchise/OnePiece'': [[Creator/AtsushiMiyauchi Flag]] is Vinsmoke Niji, Waller (Noriko Uemura) is Curly Dadan, [[Creator/HisaoEgawa Captain Boomerang]] is Kuroobi, [[Creator/TesshoGenda King Shark]] is Kaido, [[Creator/KoichiYamadera Bloodsport]] is Corazon, [[Creator/AkioOhtsuka Peacemaker]] is Blackbeard, [[Creator/NanaMizuki Emilia Hartcourt]] is Kozuki Hiyori/Komurasaki, [[Creator/FumihikoTachiki Savant]] is Akainu and Don Krieg, and [[Creator/KenjiroTsuda Silvio Luna]] is Vinsmoke Yonji.
** From the Japanese dub of the Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse: [[Creator/AtsushiMiyauchi Flag]] is Bruce Banner/Hulk, [[Creator/KoichiYamadera Bloodsport]] is Peter Quill/Star-Lord, [[Creator/FumihikoTachiki Savant]] is Yondu, [[Creator/NanaMizuki Emilia Hartcourt]] is Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel, [[Creator/KenjiroTsuda Silvio Luna]] is Killmonger and [[Creator/AkioOhtsuka Peacemaker]] is Red Guardian.
** From ''Franchise/StreetFighter'': [[Creator/AkioOhtsuka Peacemaker]] is Seth, [[Creator/FumihikoTachiki Savant]] is Gill, and [[Creator/AoiYuuki Ratcatcher 2]] is Menat.
** From ''Franchise/NeonGenesisEvangelion'': [[Creator/KoichiYamadera Bloodsport]] is Ryoji Kaji, [[Creator/FumihikoTachiki Savant]] is Gendo, and [[Creator/AkioOhtsuka Peacemaker]] is Kohji Takao.
** From ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'': [[Creator/MamoruMiyano Polka-Dot Man]] is Riku, [[Creator/AkioOhtsuka Peacemaker]] is Ansem (Xehanort's Heartless), [[Creator/KoichiYamadera Bloodsport]] is Donald Duck and many other characters, and [[Creator/TesshoGenda King Shark]] is Tigger.

** The film was widely acclaimed by critics and is considered among the best films of the Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse, but ended up a BoxOfficeBomb due to a number of factors, including of course the ongoing UsefulNotes/COVID19Pandemic and consequently a less expansive marketing campaign than [[Film/SuicideSquad2016 the first film]]. It was also hit by a surge in attention to the ExecutiveMeddling the first film underwent (which often superseded discussion about the new film even in mainstream media) and the loss of that film's most reliable box office draw, Creator/WillSmith. Anecdotal reports indicate [[TheTheTitleConfusion the title]] and largely new cast also caused confusion as to whether the film was a sequel or a reboot. It still managed to be quite successful on Creator/HBOMax with its same-day release (the second biggest on the service after ''Film/{{Mortal Kombat|2021}}''). Despite the poor financial performance, the strong positive reactions to the film and the success of ''Series/{{Peacemaker|2022}}'' (which was already filmed at the time ''The Suicide Squad'' opened) allowed Creator/JamesGunn to stay on board for further work in the DCEU.

** James Gunn brought people from ''Film/{{Super}}'' and the ''Guardians of the Galaxy'' films such as Creator/NathanFillion, his younger brother Sean, Creator/MichaelRooker, and Creator/SylvesterStallone.

* DuelingWorks: With ''Film/ArmyOfTheDead'', another film about a team going on a SuicideMission releasing on streaming in 2021, directed by Creator/ZackSnyder -- a director with a cult following like Gunn. Both of them worked on 2004's ''Film/{{Dawn of the Dead|2004}}'', and Snyder is an executive producer on ''The Suicide Squad''. Creator/DaveBautista actually declined to show up in ''The Suicide Squad'' to be in ''Army of the Dead''. Both films ended up well-received, with ''The Suicide Squad'' clearly edging out among critics.

** James Gunn admitted on Twitter that he considered bringing in Dogwelder (from Garth Ennis' Section 8 parody series), but decided against it. After that, there was a brief fan campaign to try and change his mind.

** Katana was originally planned to return for this but her role was cut when James Gunn took over and retooled it into a SoftReboot along with opting to have Rick Flagg as the only non-villainous member and due to Katana's actress Creator/KarenFukuhara's busy commitments with ''Series/TheBoys''.

** According to Creator/JoeManganiello, an early idea for the ''Suicide Squad'' sequel would've involved Deathstroke as the main antagonist.
*** Apparently he was going to take the place of Bloodsport [[https://mobile.twitter.com/DCverso1/status/1425084579212406787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1425084579212406787%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-1883132595998595190.ampproject.net%2F2107302322000%2Fframe.html according to the early concepts of the film.]] The dynamic between him and Deadshot seems to be reinvented into the rivalry between Bloodsport and Peacemaker.

** According to Gunn, the film originally had a much darker ending in which [[spoiler:Ratcatcher 2 was murdered by Amanda Waller. After the Squad returned to Belle Reve, Waller would have detonated the bomb in Cleo's head after taking the Jotunheim flash drive from her. As revenge, Bloodsport would have shot Waller with an explosive bullet and used the threat of detonating said bullet to secure the remaining Squad members' freedom.]] Gunn felt that this was too much of a DownerEnding that clashed with the overall tone of the film.
** James Gunn admitted that, at one point, he wanted Superman to be the bad guy, but ultimately went against it.

** The film was widely acclaimed by critics and is considered among the best films of the Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse, but ended up a BoxOfficeBomb due to a number of factors, including of course the ongoing UsefulNotes/COVID19Pandemic and consequently a less expansive marketing campaign than [[Film/SuicideSquad2016 the first film]]. It was also hit by a surge in attention to the ExecutiveMeddling the first film underwent (which often superseded discussion about the new film even in mainstream media) and the loss of that film's most reliable box office draw, Creator/WillSmith. Anecdotal reports indicate [[TheTheTitleConfusion the title]] and largely new cast also caused confusion as to whether the film was a sequel or a reboot. It still managed to be quite successful on Creator/HBOMax with its same-day release (the second biggest on the service after ''Film/{{Mortal Kombat|2021}}'').