Joel Kinnaman to join 'Suicide Squad'

Los Angeles:  'Robocop' star Joel Kinnaman is reportedly set to replace Tom Hardy in the DC super-villain movie 'Suicide Squad', which is set to start production in April.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kinnaman, 35, is in early talks to play Rick Flag. Jake Gyllenhaal was previously linked to the role, but it eventually didn't work out.

'Suicide Squad' tells the story of a group of DC comics villains who are sent by the government to dangerous mission to redeem their past.

In addition to the leader Rick Flag, the group consists of The Joker, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Boomerang and Enchantress who will be portrayed by Jared Leto, Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney and Cara Delevingne respectively.

Viola Davis' Amanda Waller will oversee the team.

'Suicide Squad', directed by David Ayer, is set to start production in April. The movie is targeting an August 5, 2016 release.