Sometimes it feels like the world has superhero fatigue—or is that just us? Every summer is jam-packed with movie after movie that end with the same giant battle, the fate of the world hanging in the balance. We get it.
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Which is maybe why we’re all so excited for “Suicide Squad,” a flick that promises to break the mold. Our heroes are bad guys? What are we rooting for? It’s unpredictable, and that’s cool.
But most of us don’t have an idea of what the Suicide Squad is besides just a crew of bad guys. The Joker—the most famous character—isn’t even in the squad. If you don’t know the basics of these supervillains, we’re here to fill you in.
THE SQUAD
Harley Quinn
Margot Robbie
Once a trained psychiatrist and gymnast, Harley fell in love with the Joker when he was her patient. Now she’s crazier and more reckless than he is.
Live Action
” “Birds of Prey” series 2002, Mia Sara
” Short appearance on “Arrow” 2014, Cassidy Alexa
Deadshot
Will Smith
The deadliest assassin in the world never misses a shot and will kill anyone if the price is right. But his weakness is his smart, young daughter, who wants to believe her dad is a good guy.
Animation
” “Justice League” 2001, Michael Rosenbaum (who played Lex Luthor in “Smallville”)
Live Action
” “Smallville” 2010, Bradley Stryker
” “Arrow” 2012 and “The Flash” 2016, Michael Rowe
El Diablo
Jay Hernandez
Born with the power to conjure fire, Diablo killed his loved ones when he lost control. Now he’d prefer to die as a man instead of a weapon.
Animation
” “Justice League Unlimited” 2005, Nestor Carbonell (who played the mayor in “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises”)
Boomerang
Jai Courtney
An Aussie thief who isn’t above hitting a woman or opening a beer during a fight sequence. His weapon of choice is—you guessed it—a boomerang.
Live Action
” “Arrow” 2014, Nick Tarabay
Killer Croc
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Born a monster and mistreated until he truly became one, Killer Croc is big and ugly but definitely handy to have around if you need someone in the sewers.
Slipknot
Adam Beach
This guy is good at tying knots, but unfortunately, it’s as easy for others to manipulate his mind as it is for him to manipulate a rope.
THE VILLAINS
Enchantress
Cara Delevingne
An ancient spirit hell-bent on taking over the world. Controlling her heart is the key to controlling her power, but what if Rick Flag loses control?
Joker
Jared Leto
Everyone’s favorite psychotic anarchist is back. He’s the dark king of Gotham, causing chaos wherever he goes and desperate to be united with his queen, Harley Quinn.
Animation
” Lots, but most notably: “Batman: The Animated Series” 1992, Mark Hamill
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Live Action
” “Batman” 1966 series and “Batman” 1966 film Cesar Romero
” “Batman” 1989, Jack Nicholson
” “The Dark Knight” 2008, Heath Ledger
THE BOSS
Amanda Waller
Viola Davis
The ruthless boss of the operation who will do whatever it takes to make her mission a success. She’s a U.S. intelligence officer but doesn’t think much of doing things by the book.
Animation
” “Justice League Unlimited” 2004, C.C.H. Pounder
Live Action
” “Smallville” 2010, Pam Grier
” “Arrow” 2013, Cynthia Addai-Robinson
” “Green Lantern” 2011, Angela Bassett
THE GOOD
Rick Flag
Joel Kinnaman
The military man is in charge of the Suicide Squad and reports to Amanda Waller. He falls hard for Dr. June Moone, making things complicated when she’s possessed by the evil Enchantress.
Live Action
” “Smallville” 2009, Ted Whittall
Katana
Karen Fukuhara
Flag’s main source of backup, a gifted swordswoman who’s still grieving the death of her murdered husband.
Live Action
” “Arrow” 2014, Rila Fukushima