Will Smith Applauds Diversity In Cast At 'Suicide Squad' Premiere
The film's strength may lie in its diversity.
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'
Actor Will Smith and takes a selfie with a fan as Samsung celebrates the Premiere of "Suicide Squad" at the Beacon Theatre on August 1, 2016 in New York, New York.
Karen Fukuhara (L) and Jay Hernandez Attend The Premiere Of "Suicide Squad"
Actors Karen Fukuhara (L) and Jay Hernandez give autographs to fans using the Samsung Tab S2 at the Premiere of "Suicide Squad" at the Beacon Theatre on August 1, 2016 in New York, New York.
Viola Davis Attends The Premiere Of 'Suicide Squad'
Actress Viola Davis gives an autograph to a fan using the Samsung Tab S2 at the Premiere of "Suicide Squad" at the Beacon Theatre on August 1, 2016 in New York, New York.
Jared Leto Attends The Premiere Of 'Suicide Squad'
Actor Jared Leto and Samsung celebrate the Premiere of "Suicide Squad" at the Beacon Theatre on August 1, 2016 in New York, New York.
Summer Tiger and Adam Beach Attend The Premiere Of "Suicide Squad"
Summer Tiger (L) and Adam Beach give an autograph to a fan using the Samsung Tab S2 at the Premiere of "Suicide Squad" at Beacon Theatre on August 1, 2016 in New York, New York.
Margot Robbit Attends The Premiere Of "Suicide Squad"
Actress Margot Robbit and Samsung celebrate the Premiere of "Suicide Squad" at Beacon Theatre on August 1, 2016 in New York, New York.
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje Attends The Premiere Of "Suicide Squad"
Actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje gives an autograph to a fan using the Samsung Tab S2 at the Premiere of "Suicide Squad" at the Beacon Theatre on August 1, 2016 in New York, New York.
Jaden Smith (L) and The Premiere Of "Suicide Squad"
Actors Jaden Smith (L) and Will Smith celebrate the Premiere of "Suicide Squad" with Samsung at the Beacon Theatre on August 1, 2016 in New York, New York.
