'Suicide Squad 2' release date, latest news: Mel Gibson in early talks to direct 'Suicide Squad' sequel

Warner Bros. has commenced the search for a new director who will take over the development and production of the sequel to the box office hit "Suicide Squad." Rumor has it that Mel Gibson is one of the potential contenders to sit on the director's seat of the upcoming film sequel.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor-director is in early talks to helm "Suicide Squad 2." Sources also claim that Gibson is still familiarizing himself with the film's material. However, no official offer has been made nor has Gibson committed himself to the movie.

Although it was previously just wild speculation, Gibson recently confirmed the news he is in talks to direct the next "Suicide Squad" movie. As reported by IGN, Gibson was doing a Q & A session at a screening of his Oscar-nominated war movie "Hacksaw Ridge" on Feb. 15 when he was asked by the moderator if he was indeed directing a sequel to "Suicide Squad."

"So is this getting close to a deal or is it a first date?" the moderator asked.

Gibson replied, "It's kind of a first date."

In the meantime, the studio has not been passive in looking at other directors. Some of the directors reportedly included in Warner Bros.' shortlist are Daniel Espinosa ("Safe House," "Life"), Jonathan Levine ("Warm Bodies," "The Night Before), and Ruben Fleischer ("Gangster Squad," "Zombieland").

The first "Suicide Squad" film was directed by David Ayer, and the movie featured an all-star cast, including Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Jared Leto. The film had some troubles during production, and its final version has been met with a polarizing response. However, the film grossed $745 million worldwide, which is more than enough for the studio to fast-track the development of its sequel.

"Suicide Squad" told the story of DC supervillains, such as Deadshot, Harley Quinn, the Joker, Captain Boomerang, and Killer Croc, who are forced to do the government's dirty work in exchange for lighter sentences.

There is no official release date yet for "Suicide Squad 2."