Will Smith will not be returning for "The Suicide Squad".
The actor played Deadshot in the 2016 film "Suicide Squad", which also introduced Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. Smith was never officially signed on for the sequel, and scheduling issues are said to be behind Smith's exit from the franchise.
"The Suicide Squad" is described as a new take on the property and will feature a mostly all-new cast of characters. It remains unclear who will return from the first installment, which also included characters such as the Joker, Captain Boomerang and Killer Croc.
The original film saw government boss Amanda Waller forcing the villains into service, offering them lighter prison sentences in exchange for going on a dangerous and secret mission.
"The Suicide Squad" has an Aug. 6, 2021, release date.
Will Smith next appears as the Genie in Disney's live-action "Aladdin", set to open May 24.