Suicide Squad’s David Dastmalchian has a personal connection to Polka-Dot Man

This story is part of I’m so obsessed (subscribe here), our podcast featuring interviews with actors, artists, celebrities and creative types about their work, careers and current obsessions.

If you’re a fan of comics or TV shows and movies based on them, David Dastmalchian is definitely a familiar face. He has appeared in films like The Dark Knight, Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Blade Runner 2049, and Bird Box. He was on shows like MacGyver, Twin Peaks and The Flash. Dastmalchian will be on the next Disney Plus show What if…? and the film by Denis Villeneuve Dune.

But you can see him now as Abner Krill (Polka-Dot Man) in James Gunn’s movie The Suicide Squad. the movie is not a sequel or reboot of the 2016 Suicide Squad movie, but includes Margo Robbie as Harley Quinn. On CNET’s I’m So Obsessed podcast, Dastmalchian opened up about how he had a personal connection to his character that Gunn didn’t know during the casting.

“James didn’t know about me when he chose me in his movie, but I have a skin condition called vitiligo, which is an autoimmune disease that erodes the pigment in my skin. have peas, ”Dastmalchian said. “Growing up as a kid going to the pool, others intimidated me and called me things like“ polka dots ”or“ spots ”or“ Dalmatian. ”It was powerful and cathartic for me to become Abner and be that guy who’s a little bit humiliated and has this ridiculous outfit. “

Beyond the screen, Dark Horse Comics has announced that the comic book, Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter, will return for a second series. Dastmalchian writes the comic, which is about an alcoholic host of a horror movie TV show who hunts for monsters. Earl Crowley was arrested during the pandemic.

You can listen to my entire conversation with Dastmalchian in the podcast player above or on Apple Podcasts. He is incredibly thoughtful, passionate and down to earth and was happy to discuss anything he could about The Suicide Squad.

Starting August 5, you can watch The Suicide Squad in theaters or August 6 on HBO Max. You can subscribe to I’m So Obsessed on your favorite podcast app. Find out more about the Dastmalchian comic book Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter via Dark Horse Comics. In each episode, Connie Guglielmo and I meet an artist, actor, or creator to learn more about their work, career, and current obsessions.