Why James Gunn Was Fearful of Casting Sylvester Stallone in 'The Suicide Squad' — At first,

Stallone portrays the fan-favorite scene-stealer King Shark. 

The role of King Shark was written expressly for Sylvester Stallone, but Gunn admits that he was first hesitant to approach Stallone about playing the position. They previously collaborated on “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

“I had really recruited three different actors,” says the director. Sylvester Stallone's character was written by myself. I was terrified... Sly is a buddy of mine... What happens if it doesn't work? He's a thief! In July, Gunn remarked at a promotional event attended by TheWrap, "I would've just had to have a voice that didn't work."

So, as Steve Agee, who also plays Belle Reve warden John Economos, was motion capturing King Shark on set, they tested out a lot of people to get the appropriate voice.

“As a result, we conducted a massive audition procedure with a large number of voice performers. We had a single voice actor come in and record the entire film. Gunn stated, "It didn't work." “Another voice actor was brought in to complete the entire movie. He was not resurrected. We had a famous actor, who also happened to be a friend of mine, come in and perform the voice. That didn't work either! ” Eventually, Gunn approached Stallone, and the rest is history, as they say.

"Then I was like, 'Guys, I'm not sure what to do.'" I believe I need to contact Sly.' So I dialed Sly's number. He stated that he would be delighted to participate. He walked in and that character just kind of came to life straight away,” Gunn said.

Stallone's portrayal as King Shark is winning over fans now that the film is out in cinemas and on HBO Max. Here's a small sample.

“King Shark steals the show!” exclaims the audience.

” one Twitter user wrote.

@JamesGunn’s #TheSuicideSquad is bloody fantastic. The perfect mix of action, humor, and all-around comic book goodness. King Shark steals the show! Definitely one of my favorite DC films to date.

— Trey (@TheTreyinator) July 30, 2021

Another Twitter user said, "Regardless of what you say, #KingShark was by far the most loveable and amusing character in #TheSuicideSquad." 

No matter what you say, #KingShark was by far the most loveable and entertaining character in #TheSuicideSquad

I NEED TO SEE HIM AGAIN SOMEWHERE IDK AQUAMAN 2? THE THE SUICIDE SQUAD? JUST SOMEWHERE! pic.twitter.com/L1ZxWTFvd4

— Keira 🏳️‍🌈 | 76 days till ⊃∪∩⪽ (@keirariek_) August 6, 2021

King Shark really was the best part of Suicide Squad. Followed by the violence.

— Iceberg Slim (@TheOGMikeLowery) August 6, 2021

The hype for suicide squad was huge. and the king @JamesGunn delivered.

King Shark is my new favourite DC character

— Daniel (@Hydr0Liq) August 6, 2021