'Suicide Squad' cast rumors and updates: Batman to appear?

Cover to New Suicide Squad #1. Art by Jeremy Roberts. [Wikipedia]

After Tom Hardy withdrew from the "Suicide Squad" film as Rick Flag, second-in-command to character Amanda Waller's (Viola Davis), there were rumors that Jake Gyllenhaal would be taking his place. In addition, it was also rumored that Jesse Eisenberg, who will be portraying Lex Luthor in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," will also be making an appearance alongside Davis in the movie. While this is yet to be confirmed, one of the biggest speculations that is currently disseminating in all directions is that Ben Affleck, who will be playing Batman, will be making an appearance in "Suicide Squad." 

While DC's original animated feature "Batman: Assault on Arkham" featured majority of the storyline around the "Suicide Squad" operatives, Batman was able to make an appearance in an attempt to foil their plans. According to Forbes, the Caped Crusader could be portraying a larger role in the film than what he did in the animated feature in order to broaden the storyline and the scuffle that is always taking place between him and the Joker. 

So far, Ben Affleck has not yet been approached regarding his appearance on the film. 

David Ayer, who directed the 2014 American war film "Fury," is currently holding the reins on this project and has not yet stated any plot details. Nonetheless, it had been rumored that the plot will revolve around Lex Luthor's involvement in a lucrative but illegal venture called superhero trafficking. After Amanda Waller finds out, she recruits the squad in order to undertake the mission in exchange for either a pardon or a reduced sentence, and put an end to Lex Luthor's schemes once and for all. 

Apart from Davis, the movie's cast will include Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney, Cara Delevigne, and Jared Leto. 

"Suicide Squad" is expected to hit theatres on Aug. 5, 2016, while "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" will be released on March 24, 2016.

News
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon

Dame Sarah Mullally has used her first Easter Day sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury to renew calls for peace in the Middle East. 

Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection
Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection

The hope of the resurrection is especially precious in a world filled with grief, violence, uncertainty, and pain.

Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria
Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria

The Syriacs are mostly Christian.

New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities
New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities

Jim Shannon MP said the report records both “the progress observed” and “the ongoing challenges” that remain for religious minorities seeking to live in safety and freedom in Iraq.