It’s about f***ing time. James Gunn has been saying for months that The Suicide Squad would be rated R. But now, the MPA has finally made it official, and it has also listed the reasons for the film’s mature rating.
According to Collider, The Suicide Squad has been rated R for “strong violence and gore, language throughout, some sexual references, drug use and brief graphic nudity.” The language and violence should come as no surprise, as Gunn has trafficked heavily in both throughout his pre-MCU directing career (see: Slither, Super). However, the part about “brief graphic nudity” is certainly unexpected. It may be true that characters have been known to occasionally disrobe on live-action DC shows like Titans. But the nudity there hasn’t exactly been “graphic,” and there’s no telling what to expect with Gunn’s twisted mind at the helm.
RELATED: James Gunn Says King Shark Was The Suicide Squad’s First New Character
The film’s rating also sets it apart from David Ayer’s original Suicide Squad movie, which settled for PG-13. (Despite rumors to the contrary, Ayer has insisted that an R-rating was never in the cards.) Regardless, this won’t be the first R-rated entry in the DCEU movie pantheon. That distinction goes to Birds of Prey. Whether or not that film’s rating contributed to its dismal box office performance last year is still up for debate. But the prevailing theory is that its failings are really down to the marketing campaign along with non-comic fans’ general unfamiliarity with most of the characters.
The Suicide Squad hits theaters and HBO Max on August 6.
Are you happy to hear that the movie is officially rated R? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Suicide Squad Vol. 8: The Final Mission
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate advertising program also provides a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
