Sylvester Stallone Takes on an Unexpected Role as King Shark

Sylvester Stallone has taken the film industry by surprise by accepting what many consider the most unlikely role of his career. The acclaimed actor is set to voice a well-known DC character, and he even joked about the intensive training he underwent for the part.

This is not Stallone's first venture into the superhero realm. He previously made a notable appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, directed by James Gunn. However, their latest collaboration in The Suicide Squad—a sequel and reboot of the 2016 film—has introduced a character twist that caught everyone off guard. Stallone was recruited by DC Comics to portray a supervillain, but instead, he was assigned the role of a giant shark.

King Shark: A Blend of Brutality and Innocence

In this new adaptation, Stallone lends his voice to King Shark, a character well-known in DC comics who oscillates between ally and adversary. This meta-human possesses shark-like traits, including formidable jaws, nearly indestructible skin, and extraordinary strength, yet exhibits human-like behavior. In Gunn's rendition, King Shark emerges as a recurring source of comedy; depicted as somewhat dim-witted, he remains a fearsome fighter, capable of tearing apart anyone who crosses his path—much to the wariness of his fellow Suicide Squad members.

Warner Bros. Pictures

How James Gunn Persuaded Stallone

In an interview with BFMTV, Stallone revealed that he was initially unfamiliar with King Shark when Gunn approached him for the role. However, the director didn't have to push hard for Stallone to change his mind. "I did my research, and I found it quite interesting. I accepted his offer. I told him, 'I’m going to train, I’m going to prepare my cardio to swim well for the shark role,'" Stallone recounted.

A Refreshing Experience for the Actor

Unlike the physically demanding roles he is typically known for, this project provided Stallone with a refreshing change of pace. He expressed, "When you play the characters I usually portray, it’s exhausting, it’s very physical. After four or five weeks, I’m done; I wonder why I’m doing this. (...) I just want to go home. For King Shark, I didn’t want it to end. It was a lot of fun to do."

Warner Bros. Pictures

Stallone even humorously drew parallels between himself and King Shark, stating, "That’s how I am at home! I’m a big, dumb shark—that’s how my daughters see me!"

Given his enthusiasm for the role, the possibility of future collaborations between Stallone and Gunn seems promising. Gunn has since been tasked by DC Comics with revitalizing the studio's superhero universe, a new chapter he has commenced by directing the upcoming Superman film set for release in 2025.

Subscribers to HBO Max can revisit The Suicide Squad directly on the platform.