As he proved with his hit "Guardians of the Galaxy" franchise, writer-director James Gunn has a knack for taking obscure, quirky comic book characters and turning them into cinematic gold. So while the latest oddball addition to the filmmaker's upcoming DC flick, "The Suicide Squad," might seem strange on paper, we have high hopes for his introduction.

The Hollywood Reporter has the scoop that actor David Dastmalchian ("Ant-Man," "The Dark Knight") has joined "The Suicide Squad," playing one of several new characters joining the titular gang this time around. Dastmalchian will portray Polka-Dot Man, a villain who "was a low-level crook who tried to make a name for himself with spot-themed crimes and a costume that included some amazing gimmicks, such as spots that transformed into buzzsaws and flying saucers on command," per THR.

According to the trade, Polka-Dot Man is pretty self-aware, and "is said to lean into his embarrassment of his 'lame' abilities." That type of meta commentary is right in Gunn's wheelhouse, making the character's inclusion a natural fit for the filmmaker. (Plus, he and Dastmalchian can swap war stories about working on both Marvel and DC projects.)

Several other new characters that are expected to join the mix include Peacemaker (with Gunn reportedly eyeing his "Guardians" star Dave Bautista for the role), Ratcatcher, King Shark, and an undisclosed villain, who will be played by Idris Elba. Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney, and Viola Davis are all reprising their parts from 2016's "Suicide Squad."

"The Suicide Squad" is due in theaters on August 6, 2021.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter]