Caption: KING SHARK in Warner Bros. Pictures’ superhero action adventure “THE SUICIDE SQUAD,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/™ & © DC Comics
Movies

James Gunn on King Shark’s Creation in “The Suicide Squad”

March 29, 2021
By The Credits

When Warner Bros. revealed the trailer for writer/director James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad on Friday, one thing became immediately clear—King Shark was a star. It was immediately apparent that King Shark not only looked oddly adorable, but there also was something endearing, and familiar, about his voice. Then Gunn revealed to the world that King Shark’s voice comes from a little-known actor named Sylvester Stallone. Upon learning this, you couldn’t help think, of course. Who better to lend their vocal chops to the lovable lunk than Sly, the man who made Rocky Balboa’s punchdrunk way of speaking such an indelible part of the character?

In a later Twitter thread, Gunn went further, describing why King Shark isn’t a hammerhead, how he pitched Sly to do the voice, and why the character isn’t ripped, like, say, John Cena’s Peacemaker, but rather unapologetically rocks a dad bod.

Tell me you wouldn’t want this guy getting your back?

Caption: (L-r) IDRIS ELBA as Bloodsport and KING SHARK in Warner Bros. Pictures’ superhero action adventure “THE SUICIDE SQUAD,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/™ & © DC Comics

We’ll get to see King Shark in action in the not-too-distant future—The Suicide Squad premieres in theaters and on HBO Max on August 6.

For more on Warner Bros., HBO, and HBO Max, check out these stories:

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Dwayne Johnson Reveals “Black Adam” Release Date

“The Suicide Squad” Trailer Rallies the Troops

James Gunn Reveals “The Suicide Squad” Poster & Release Date, Trailer Arrives Today

Pierce Brosnan Joins Dwayne Johnson in “Black Adam” as DC Hero Dr. Fate

Helen Mirren Joins “Shazam!” Sequel as the Villain Hespera

Early Reactions to “Godzilla vs. Kong” Revel in the Monster Melee

Featured image: Caption: KING SHARK in Warner Bros. Pictures’ superhero action adventure “THE SUICIDE SQUAD,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/™ & © DC Comics

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The Credits

The Credits is an online magazine that tells the story behind the story to celebrate our large and diverse creative community. Focusing on profiles of below-the-line filmmakers, The Credits celebrates the often uncelebrated individuals who are indispensable to the films and TV shows we love.