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Heath Ledger’s Joker was undoubtedly the best version of the modern psychopath in the DC universe. And thereafter, while the late actor’s hauntingly brilliant portrayal earned him an Oscar, it also led Jared Leto to suffer miserably as he dared to take on the mantle from Ledger, in 2016’sSuicide Squad.
Being an Oscar winner himself, great things were expected from Jared Leto when he took on the role of the Joker in David Ayer’s movie. However, following the release of the film, people were quick to judge Leto’s performance, turning him into a laughing stock. But now, amid Ayer’s promise to release a director’s cut, Leto’s comments about his role led fans to realize Warner Bros’ political move.
Jared Leto broke his silence about his approach to playing The Joker
While Heath Ledger’s Joker inThe Dark Knighthad etched itself as one of the most iconic cinematic villains of all time,Jared Leto’s Joker inSuicide Squadbecame unlike any portrayal fans had seen before. Much like Ledger broke boundaries with his Oscar-winning portrayal, even the Academy Award-winning actor in his own right, raised people’s expectations about his Joker role, based on his previous performances.
“I shot them”: David Ayer Reveals Revolutionary Jared Leto Joker Scene from Suicide Squad That Never Made it to the Movie
Therefore, recalling his approach to his role in David Ayer’s 2016 movie, Jared Leto toldVarietyabout the creative freedom while shooting the scenes. Claiming that there were absolutely no rules and that he could just go to town with his role, Leto hinted at offering his revolutionary take on the character. But then, while his interview narrated one story, the final product turned out to be something completely different.
There are a few very few characters that you play that have absolutely no rules, you know, that you could just go to town.
People well-versed with Jared Leto’s filmography—Dallas Buyers Club, Requiem for a Dream, The Little Things, and more—are aware of the actor’s range and skills when it comes to bringing a character to life. So what exactly happened to his Joker role inSuicide Squad,despite Leto recalling his process of going by his method acting approach and utilizing his creative freedom?
Warner Bros. seemingly set up David Ayer’sSuicide Squadto fail
Based on Jared Leto’s interview, after David Ayer had previously revealed how his vision for Joker didn’t materialize as planned, it seems that all fingers are now pointing at Warner Bros. and their habit of interfering, which doomed the film from the very start. Considering how Ayer has been vocal about how the film released in theaters was far from the movie he originally envisioned, it now seems that WB had indeed set Leto to fail as Joker.
“Maybe the worst version of the Joker I’ve ever seen”: Jared Leto is Not the Worst Joker in DC Anymore as Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad Gets Massive Backlash
Perhaps, the studios’ desperate desire to replicate the success of Marvel’s films back in 2016, led to reshoots and edits that resulted in the chaotic final product. This included sidelining the Joker’s role, whichDavid Ayerhas repeatedly confirmed was supposed to be more integral to the story, having better representation. It seems that Warner Bros.’ decision to heavily alter the final cut eventually ruined Leto’s potential and turned him into a laughing stock.
Well, now all hope lies on David Ayer’spotential director’s cutforSuicide Squad. Considering how Zack Snyder’sJustice Leagueextended version revealed the way Warner Bros. had sabotaged the original film, perhaps Ayer’s director cut will also reveal the changes and help people appreciate what Jared Leto had truly done as The Joker. It might finally shift public opinion and unveil how the studios turned the actor into an easy scapegoat for the film’s mixed reception.
Suicide Squadis currently available to watch on Max.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3217
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
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David AyerJared Leto
