In December 2014, actor Tom Hardy was initially slated to portray Rick Flag Jr. in DC's then-upcoming blockbuster, Suicide Squad. However, due to scheduling conflicts with another film that would later earn him an Oscar nomination, he had to withdraw from the role. That film, which eventually became a critical and commercial success, was "The Revenant," released in December 2015.

Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, "The Revenant" features Hardy as the primary antagonist, John S. Fitzgerald, a ruthless and self-serving fur trapper. Fitzgerald's character is driven by primal survival instincts, famously murdering Hugh Glass's half-Pawnee son, Hawk, and abandoning a severely injured Glass. This act sets in motion an intense, revenge-fueled conflict that forms the core of the narrative.

The film is a partial adaptation of Michael Punke's 2002 novel of the same name, with the screenplay co-written by Mark L. Smith and director Iñárritu. It chronicles frontiersman Hugh Glass's harrowing experiences in 1823. Upon its release, "The Revenant" was an instant favorite among critics, earning a Certified Fresh 78% on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus praised Leonardo DiCaprio's committed performance and described the film as an "absorbing drama that offers punishing challenges — and rich rewards."

"The Revenant" garnered an impressive array of accolades, winning three Academy Awards for Best Director (Alejandro González Iñárritu), Best Actor (Leonardo DiCaprio), and Best Cinematography. It also received multiple Golden Globe Awards and five BAFTA Awards, cementing its status as a cinematic masterpiece. The star-studded cast also includes Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter, Paul Anderson, Kristoffer Joner, Duane Howard, Lukas Haas, Melaw Nakehk'o, Arthur Redcloud, and Brendan Fletcher.

Years after its initial theatrical run, "The Revenant" continues to be a global hit, consistently finding its way back onto streaming charts. As of March, the Western Drama Adventure, which boasts a runtime of 157 minutes, became one of the most-watched titles on Peacock in the U.S. after its addition to the popular streamer in February.