Sylvester Stallone has affirmed King Shark’s future in the DC Universe following his auspicious debut in The Suicide Squad. As a humanoid shark who frequently appears as a recurrent antagonist for The Flash and Aquaman, Nanaue (also known as King Shark) is based on the comic book character developed by Karl Kesel and Tom Grummett. James Gunn, the director of 2021’s The Suicide Squad, would likewise introduce a more infantile version of the character to his iteration of Task Force X after the character’s initial live-action debut in the television series The Flash. Although Steve Agee supplied the motion capture performance for the King Shark movie, Gunn acknowledged that he had really recorded three other performers before deciding on Sylvester Stallone to voice the part.
Stallone was asked about his own future return to the franchise now that Gunn is in control of the DC Universe as co-CEO of the newly relaunched DC Studios. In an interview with ComicBook.com, the venerable actor was asked if he has plans to reprise his role as King Shark. Particularly now when his Suicide Squad director is in charge of the studio. The actor affirmed the character’s future in the DC Universe, praising his working relationship with Gunn. Observe his response below:
“Yes, for sure. I think James has been very generous… He and I are pretty tight. So, if there’s an opportunity… I love him. He’s great.”
King Shark’s Next Possible Appearance in the DCU?
Stallone’s portrayal of King Shark in the original The Suicide Squad swiftly rose to the top of the list of the movie’s most acclaimed elements. Stallone’s portrayal of the usually formidable Nanaue gave him a childish simplicity that helped turn him into a true fan favorite. Fans were speculating whether and when Nanaue would make a second appearance even before Gunn was named co-CEO of DC Studios. Stallone’s affirmation appears to make King Shark’s comeback more plausible than ever now that Gunn is the one who will help design the future of the DC series.
Given that Barry Allen and Arthur Curry are frequently King Shark’s enemies in the comics, it is conceivable that Nanaue will make a cameo appearance in either The Flash or Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Both these movies are scheduled for release in 2023. However, Gunn’s most recent studio job occurred before the majority of the work on both of those movies was finished, so the possibility of such a cameo in either film looks rather modest. Now, Agee already plays a significant role in the show as ARGUS agent John Economos. So, it would be far more feasible for King Shark to get back up with his former Task Force X teammate in Peacemaker season 2.
Another potential for Nanaue is to show up in the previously mentioned Amanda Waller spinoff series, which is anticipated to continue the storylines from Black Adam and Season 1 of Peacemaker. Although neither Warner Bros. nor Gunn has officially confirmed the series, it would make sense for Task Force X to play a significant part and aid King Shark’s reintroduction to the DC Universe if one were to ever materialize. The Suicide Squad is currently streaming on HBO Max, allowing viewers to relive Stallone’s King Shark debut wherever he may go.
