Will Smith has left Warner Bros.'s Suicide Squad, according to Variety. The blockbuster actor reportedly exited the project because the planned filming schedule conflicts with other projects. The Hollywood trade specifically says the decision was "amicable" and "with no hard feelings."

Writer/director James Gunn is said to be aiming to begin production on Suicide Squad 2 this fall, with a reserved August 6, 2021 theatrical release date.

Smith is currently filming Bad Boys for Life, and is announced to be working next on a sequel to Bright (with Suicide Squad director David Ayer) and a fourth Bad Boys film.

Talk of a Suicide Squad sequel began shortly after the release of the first film, with Smith pencilled in to reprise his role as Deadshot. A standalone Deadshot film was also in development at one time, with Smith himself talking about it.

"I hope so, I love playing Deadshot,” Smith said in September 2018 when asked about a solo film. “I really enjoy that character. They’ve been talking about it. If a good idea comes around... we’ve been having meetings. I would love to. I love Deadshot."