'Suicide Squad 2' latest news: Warner Bros. names sequel's director

The sequel to last summer's spectacle "Suicide Squad" is finally showing some signs of life as Warner Bros. confirmed that Gavin O'Connor will direct "Suicide Squad 2."

The Hollywood Reporter reported that O'Connor was selected after a long search by Warner Bros. which included Mel Gibson and Jaume Collet-Serra as potential directors.

O'Connor is best known for directing the 2016 crime thriller film "The Accountant," which starred Ben Affleck as a certified public accountant with a high-functioning autism who helps international criminal organizations.

It grossed $155.2 million worldwide and became Affleck's second highest-debut for a thriller behind "Gone Girl." A sequel is already in the works.

O'Connor will take over the reins from David Ayer, who begged off for the sequel. The first film was a box office success but was panned by critics for its vague plot and sloppy character development.

Peter Travis of Rolling Stone said DC tried to do something with "Suicide Squad" but failed despite having a good number of personalities to back it up. The Wall Street Journal's Joe Morgenstern went as far as calling the film "an ugly trash."

Ayer is now working on the spin-off "Gotham City Sirens" along with Margot Robbie, who played Harley Quinn in "Suicide Squad."

He said on his Twitter account that he regrets not giving Jared Leto's Joker more screen time.

"Wish I had a time machine. I'd make Joke the main villain and engineer a more grounded story. I have to take the good and bad and learn from it," he said.

The sequel might have to wait a little longer as cast members from the previous films are working on other projects.

Aside from "Gotham City Sirens," Robbie is currently filming "Mary Queen of Scots" while Will Smith, who portrays Deadshot, is currently filming "Alladin" and will take on Ang Lee's "Gemini Man" next.

News
The inspiring story of St Luke: the man who wrote a quarter of the New Testament
The inspiring story of St Luke: the man who wrote a quarter of the New Testament

18 October is St Luke’s Day. This year’s observance has particular significance, marking the 500th anniversary of the first printed publication of Luke’s Gospel in English. This is the story …

Nicky Gumbel elected to Church of England parliament with a call to put evangelism first 
Nicky Gumbel elected to Church of England parliament with a call to put evangelism first 

The founder of the globally influential Alpha Course, the Rev Nicky Gumbel, has been elected to the Church of England’s General Synod. 

‘Strength does not always look impressive’: living with OCD as a Christian
‘Strength does not always look impressive’: living with OCD as a Christian

Thea Joshi, of the Centre for Mental Health, reflects on living with OCD as a Christian and what churches and fellow Christians can do to help those living with the condition.

Church of England receives £13m under new scheme to preserve historic churches
Church of England receives £13m under new scheme to preserve historic churches

A Church representative said he was conscious many churches had not received the funding they seek.