You probably remember the chaos of James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad. It was loud, bloody, and featured a giant starfish leveling a city. But amidst the Harley Quinn acrobatics and Idris Elba’s grumbling, there’s a specific character who basically saved the world with a golf club.
That character is Flo Crawley. And the woman behind her, Tinashe Kajese-Bolden, is kind of a big deal—not just in the DC Universe, but in the actual world of high-stakes theater and directing.
Honestly, it’s easy to overlook the "tech desk" characters in superhero movies. They usually just shout about GPS coordinates or firewall encryptions. But Tinashe Kajese-Bolden brought something different to the role of Flo. She wasn't just a background extra; she became the moral pivot point of the entire movie.
The Moment Flo Crawley Went Rogue
Let’s talk about that specific scene. You know the one. Amanda Waller (played by the terrifyingly good Viola Davis) is about to let a whole city die to cover her own tracks. The "heroes" are actually trying to do the right thing for once, and Waller is ready to blow their heads off.
Then comes Flo.
Tinashe Kajese-Bolden plays this moment with such a relatable mix of "I can't believe I'm doing this" and "I have to do this." She cracks Waller over the head with a golf club. It’s a short, sharp shock of a scene.
Basically, Flo Crawley is the only person in that room with a functioning conscience. She risks a lifetime in a black-site prison just to stop a massacre. Without that swing, the movie ends very differently—mostly with everyone we like being dead.
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Why Tinashe Kajese-Bolden Was Perfect for the Role
Director James Gunn has a thing for casting actors who can do a lot with a little. Tinashe isn't just an actress; she’s an award-winning director and a powerhouse in the Atlanta arts scene. She’s the Artistic Director at the Alliance Theatre. That’s a huge job.
When you have someone with that much presence playing a "minor" role, it gives the character weight. You've probably seen her in other things without realizing it. She was in Hawkeye as Dee, and she’s done work in Dynasty and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
But Tinashe Kajese-Bolden in The Suicide Squad stands out because of the stakes.
Beyond the Suicide Squad: The DCU Connection
Here’s where things get interesting for the nerds. Flo Crawley didn't just vanish after the credits rolled. She popped up again in the Peacemaker series (though it was an uncredited cameo using archive footage).
But the real kicker? She’s back in the 2025 Superman movie.
This is actually a pretty significant bit of world-building. In the 2021 film, she was an aide—a low-level staffer. By the time we get to the new DCU under James Gunn’s leadership, she’s moved up. People who’ve seen the early screenings or followed the leaks know she’s now a U.S. Secretary or a high-ranking Director.
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It’s a cool bit of continuity. It suggests that her "rebellion" against Waller didn't just get her locked up; it maybe made her a hero to the right people.
What You Might Not Know About Tinashe
Tinashe's story is pretty wild. She was born in England, grew up in Zimbabwe, and then moved to the States to pursue theater. She’s not just "an actress in a superhero movie."
- She's a pioneer: She was the first woman of color to lead the Alliance Theatre in its 55-year history.
- She's an award winner: We're talking Princess Grace Awards and Suzi Bass Awards.
- She’s a mentor: She runs fellowships for Black women and non-binary artists.
She brings that "leader" energy to her roles. Even when she's just standing behind a computer screen in a Task Force X bunker, she feels like a real person with a whole life story.
The "Waller's Relative" Theory
There’s been a lot of chatter on Reddit and DC forums about whether Flo Crawley is actually related to Amanda Waller. In the comics, Flo is often depicted as Waller's cousin or niece.
In the movies, they don't explicitly say it. But if you watch the way Tinashe and Viola Davis interact, there’s a weird familiarity there. Some fans think that the only reason Flo wasn't immediately executed for hitting Waller is because of that blood relation.
Whether it's canon in the movies or just a nod to the comics, it adds a layer of "family drama" to a movie about a giant space starfish.
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Why This Role Matters for Fans
Usually, "the help" in these movies is expendable. But Tinashe Kajese-Bolden turned Flo Crawley into a fan favorite.
She represents the audience. We’re all sitting there thinking, "Someone needs to hit Waller!" and she’s the one who actually does it. It’s wish fulfillment at its finest.
If you’re looking to track her career, keep an eye on the new DCU slate. Her promotion to Director/Secretary Crawley means she’s likely going to be a recurring face in the political side of the superhero world.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're a fan of her work or just curious about how these "background" characters move the plot, here’s what to do:
- Rewatch the climax of The Suicide Squad (2021): Watch the tech crew's faces. Tinashe’s performance is all in the eyes before she takes the swing.
- Look for her in Superman (2025): Notice the jump in her character's status. It’s one of the few direct links between the old DCEU and the new DCU.
- Check out her stage work: If you’re ever in Atlanta, see what’s playing at the Alliance Theatre. Supporting her directing work is just as important as watching her on the big screen.
Tinashe Kajese-Bolden managed to take a character that could have been a footnote and turned her into the person who saved the Squad. That’s not just good writing; it’s great acting.