The road to Suicide Squad 2 has been a bumpy one, to say the least, but DC and Warner Bros. are determined for this sequel to see the light of day. After numerous director rumors, a few director exits (most recently Jaume Collet-Serra) the film has been searching diligently for someone to take the reins. Today, they found a pretty promising choice: Gavin O‘Connor, director of The Accountant, Miracle, and Warrior.

Deadline broke the news that DC and Warner Bros. made the deal with O’Connor today. His Accountant, which was also a Warners picture, was received so well that it warranted a sequel, which O’Connor is currently working on with Ben Affleck (who may or may not be playing Batman again after Justice League).

O’Connor is the latest in the studio’s lengthy search for a director after David Ayer stepped aside in favor of helming Gotham City Sirens. Both Mel Gibson and Jaume Collet-Serra were considered, but the latter dropped out to direct The Rock’s Jungle Cruise movie. Deadline reports that Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Jared Leto will return for Suicide Squad 2. O’Connor has made a name for himself with directing intense, character-driven dramas, the best of which, Warrior, stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton as two estranged brothers who end up in the same MMA ring at the end of a huge competition and will make you cry gallons of tears. Maybe O’Connor can do the same with Suicide Squad 2.

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