'The Suicide Squad' Most Watched Film On HBO Max

 

CREDIT: Warner Bros.

The Suicide Squad has officially become the most watched DC film on HBO Max.

The reboot/sequel was directed by James Gunn, and saw the return of Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn), Joel Kinnaman (Rick Flag), Viola Davis (Amanda Waller), and Jai Courtney (Captain Boomerang).

The returning characters all come from Suicide Squad (2016). This latest film follows the release of Wonder Woman 1984, and Zack Snyder's Justice League. Both were released directly to the streaming service.

Compared to the original, The Suicide Squad has earned much praise, gaining a 91% rating and Certified Fresh from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Suicide Squad (2016) earned 26%.

Audiences also loved the film, gaining an 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and breaking the pandemic era box office opening records for R-rated films. It earned $4.1 billion during its preview screenings.

CREDIT: strangeharbors.com

The film also registered a viewership of 4.7 million U.S households during its first three weekends of release.

This surpassed Wonder Woman 1984 with 3.9 million households, and Zack Snyder's Justice League with 3.2 million households.

Although it did become the most watched DC film on HBO Max, it did also fall behind Mortal Kombat and Godzilla vs Kong. They hold viewerships of 5.5 and 5.1 million households.

Despite constant audience and critic raves, there are worries the film won't surpass the opening earnings of Suicide Squad (2016). The film suffered an 81% drop in box-office earnings during its second weekend.

Audiences were unsure of what to expect due to unclear marketing, the association with the original film, and missing characters such as Deadshot.

CREDIT: Warner Bros.

In the eyes of Warner Bros; this film may be a financial disappointment. But it is secure with its legacy within the DC filmography. 

The post-credits teaser scene was filmed during the filming of the spin-off series Peacemaker. It showcases a glimpse of the fate of John Cena's character.

James Gunn is also open to returning to the DC universe, and has interest in doing more movies focused on the villains of the universe. 

Walter Hamada, DC Films head has suggested that James has more projects planned in the franchise.