Joel Kinnaman says James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad' is 'so funny' and feels like a comedy

Joel Kinnaman has said he feels “like I’m shooting my first comedy” with James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, adding that the script is “fantastic” and “so funny”.

The Guardians of the Galaxy director signed on to helm the DC Extended Universe sequel in the wake of being fired by Disney after distasteful old tweets were publicly unearthed.

Gunn has since returned to the Marvel fold for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but he will complete work on the film for the rival studio before returning to the world of Star-Lord and Groot.

Read more: Gunn’s Suicide Squad is “tonally different”, says Jai Courtney

Speaking on Variety’s The Big Ticket podcast, Kinnaman referred to Gunn as an “incredible guy” and said he’s having a great time on the set of the superhero sequel.

The 39-year-old actor is due to reprise the role of Rick Flagg — the special forces colonel responsible for leading the titular unit when they’re out in the field.

He said: “[Gunn has] written a fantastic script. It’s so funny. I feel like I’m shooting my first comedy.

“There are a lot of really funny people there. It’s like a learning experience. I’m around a lot of incredible funny people.”

Kinnaman also expressed his admiration for how Joaquin Phoenix “crushed it” in Joker and praised his friend Robert Pattinson for being “so smart” in taking on the lead role in The Batman after years of standout work in indie movies post-Twilight.

Read more: Disney CEO responds to anti-Marvel “bitching”

The actor was also asked to offer his thoughts on the continuing controversy around The Irishman director Martin Scorsese’s comments comparing comic book movies to theme park rides.

“That's okay. He can say that if he wants,” said Kinnaman. “Martin Scorsese will always be one of the greatest directors of all time. He’s meant more to cinema than most, so he's entitled to that opinion.”

Kinnaman is not the only Suicide Squad cast member set to return for the new film, with Margot Robbie back as Harley Quinn, Jai Courtney returning as Captain Boomerang and Viola Davis back for another appearance as government official Amanda Waller.

The first movie scooped an impressive $747m (£582m) at the global box office, but was savaged by critics and has a meagre 27% approval rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.

Read more: David Ayer offers support to Gunn

Gunn has assembled an impressive new roster of cast members for his film, including John Cena, Peter Capaldi, Taika Waititi, Storm Reid, Nathan Fillion and Michael Rooker.

The Suicide Squad is due to arrive in cinemas in August 2021.