Will Smith Applauds Diversity In Cast At 'Suicide Squad' Premiere
In a mere few days, the highly-anticipated super-villain movie Suicide Squad will finally be released. During the film's world premiere, held at New York City's Beacon Theater on Monday night (August 1), celebrities and cast members - Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Viola Davis and more - signed autographs and took selfies with fans at the Galaxy Owners' VIP viewing pit.
Before the film rolled, veteran actor Will Smith took a moment to address the film's strength, which he and others involved believe lies within its diversity.
"What I love about working with this group, it's a rainbow — it's all races, creeds and colors," he told the crowd at the Monday premiere (Aug. 1), after noting that he believes the cast is "one of the best casts in the whole damn world."
"It's the diversity and inclusion that this country is supposed to be about," he said to uproarious applause.
Out of the 11 leading cast members, four are women, three are black, one is Mexican-American, and one is Japanese-American. David Ayer, the film's director, told USA Today that choosing who was in the film was "less about ticking boxes."
"It’s important for kids to see people who look like them in movies,” he continued.
Many sites and news outlets are predicting that Suicide Squad, which also stars Common, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Cara Delevingne is expected to break a few box-office records this weekend after it's Friday release (Aug. 5). CNBC reports that the movie could potentially garner over $100 million, making it the biggest August movie premiere in history. The film's soundtrack is looking just as diverse as its leading men and women, as singles from the film by Kehlani, Rick Ross, Skrillex, Grimes and twenty one pilots have made landfall.
Samsung Celebrates The Premiere Of 'Suicide Squad'
Will Smith Attends The Premiere Of 'Suicide Squad'
Karen Fukuhara (L) and Jay Hernandez Attend The Premiere Of "Suicide Squad"
Viola Davis Attends The Premiere Of 'Suicide Squad'
Jared Leto Attends The Premiere Of 'Suicide Squad'
Summer Tiger and Adam Beach Attend The Premiere Of "Suicide Squad"
Margot Robbit Attends The Premiere Of "Suicide Squad"
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje Attends The Premiere Of "Suicide Squad"
Jaden Smith (L) and The Premiere Of "Suicide Squad"
