Filming of ‘Suicide Squad’ pours $80M into Ontario economy

Despite negative reviews from critics, the film Suicide Squad was a big financial hit for Ontario.

The DC Comics superhero film, which was shot primarily in Toronto last summer, contributed more than $80 million to the provincial economy, according to a statement released by Motion Picture Association-Canada on Friday.

Officials say the movie production created 4,707 jobs as well as pouring millions of dollars into local businesses and suppliers.

“Productions like Suicide Squad are not only an opportunity to showcase Ontario’s talented cast and crew, but also support thousands of local businesses who play a significant role behind the scenes,” said Wendy Noss, President of Motion Picture Association-Canada.

READ MORE: ‘Suicide Squad’ reviews: Director David Ayer responds to critics

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The movie, which stars Will Smith, Jared Leto and Margot Robbie among others, had many of its explosive scenes filmed in downtown Toronto.

Fans got to see the batmobile race up Yonge Street, the character Deadshot rappel off the side of a Front Street building and a helicopter crash in the city’s financial district.

Numbers released by Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport show foreign film and television productions contributed a record-breaking $1.5 billion into the local economy in 2015.