According to IMDb trivia, Tom Hardy had originally been cast as Colonel Rick Flag before circumstances outside the production changed those plans.
Why Tom Hardy Left ‘Suicide Squad’
Before cameras rolled, Hardy had signed on to portray Rick Flag, the military leader tasked with keeping Task Force X under control. At the time, the casting reunited him with the DC universe after his memorable turn as Bane in “The Dark Knight Rises,” making the role one of the film’s earliest high-profile announcements.
The plan changed when production on Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “The Revenant” stretched far beyond its original schedule. The extended shoot created a direct conflict with “Suicide Squad,” leaving Hardy unable to participate despite already being attached to the project.
The actor later admitted he was disappointed to step away from the picture, explaining that he was “bummed” to lose the opportunity and especially regretted missing the chance to work with director David Ayer.
Joel Kinnaman ultimately replaced Hardy as Rick Flag and remained with the franchise, reprising the character in 2021’s “The Suicide Squad.” Released on Aug. 5, 2016, the film went on to earn more than $749 million worldwide and won the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, becoming the only title in the DC Extended Universe to receive an Oscar.