How 'Suicide Squad' is Linked to 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice'

Cast of 'Batman V Superman' and 'Suicide Squad'
The cast members of 'Batman v Superman' and 'Suicide Squad' gathered together for a special joint photo for the newest issue of The Hollywood Reporter. |

Fans have always known that DC Comics' two new films - "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" and "Suicide Squad" have links to each other, and it is only now that the connection between the two is revealed.

According to "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" director Zack Snyder's interview with Empire Magazine, the super criminals locked up in Belle Reve Prison - Joker, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, El Diablo, and the rest of the others are all there mainly because of Batman, so it's understandable that they all have a huge beef against him.

And because government operatives such as Amanda Waller are all determined to track down Batman, whom they consider as a "bogeyman," then members of the Suicide Squad are all prepared to help, but for a price.

At the same time, "Suicide Squad" would take place before the events of "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," and rumor has it that the film directed by David Ayer will end a major riot slash breakout at Belle Reve, therefore giving Batman plenty to worry about by the time his solo film comes out.

Snyder also delved deeper into the psyche of Batman, and what events in life brought him there.

"We are playing him 45 or 46. He has been Batman for 20 years. All the history is there. Was there a Robin at one time? Possibly... He has lost those near and dear to him, and not necessarily from old age of disease," he said.

When he presented Ben Affleck with the role for the first time, Affleck was actually hesitant to take it on, thinking he is no longer at an age fit to portray a superhero. But when Snyder explained what they are going to do in the movie, more particularly with the character, who struggles with a "crisis of conscience," Affleck became very interested.

"Initially I thought, 'I'm older, it does not seem like the right sort of fit for me. Then Zack pitched me his concept for this older, more broken Batman. It was something we haven't seen," Affleck shared. "We have seen that Batman is willing to cross the line to protect people. That vigilantism has been a part of his character all along, and we are tapping into that mentality when faced by something as potentially deadly as Superman."

"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" will be released in theaters on March 25, 2016 while "Suicide Squad" has been scheduled for an August 5, 2016 release.