Zack Snyder's Justice League is making a big addition to the HBO Max version of the film as Jared Leto's Joker is making a comeback. The DCEU has had an interesting year as the Snyder Cut will finally see the light of day. After the theatrical version of the film was retooled by Warner Bros. and Joss Whedon following Snyder's departure, the fandom launched a movement that took over three years of campaigning. But earlier this year, WarnerMedia granted their wish as the Justice League Snyder Cut is heading to HBO Max next year in a four-part format that will showcase Snyder's true vision for DC's iconic team.
One of the biggest characters that made an appearance earlier in the DCEU was The Joker, played by Leto, in 2016's Suicide Squad. But even that film was altered from David Ayer's original vision as his cut reportedly has a lot more of Leto's take on the iconic Clown Prince of Crime. While he has been referenced in films like Birds of Prey, Leto's Joker hasn't been seen since his DCEU debut. While Affleck's time as the Dark Knight looks to be continuing as he'll be in Ezra Miller's The Flash film, it's been a mystery if Leto was actually done as The Joker or not. But it appears that 2021 will give fans another glimpse at the character.
Leto is reportedly set to reprise the role of The Joker in the Justice League Snyder Cut as part of the ongoing reshoots. As revealed by THR, Leto is joining fellow actors like Ben Affleck, and Ray Fisher who are reprising their roles as Batman and Cyborg respectively. No specific details were revealed about The Joker's role in the film and whether it's a cameo or a bigger part. It remains to be seen if other DC characters will be added as part of Snyder's reshoots. With many mysteries still surrounding Snyder's full cut of the film, it wouldn't be too shocking if other DCEU actors board the project.
While they shared only a brief moment in Suicide Squad, Leto's addition may lead to Affleck's Batman sharing the screen with him once more. As Leto reprises the iconic DC villain, fans will get to see him in two major comic book films in 2021. As Leto seemed to be possibly done as the Joker, Sony ended up casting him as Morbius the Living Vampire for the upcoming solo film that was originally set to release this year. But due to COVID-19, Morbius, along with multiple films, has been rescheduled. It's possible that Morbius' current March 2021 date will be changed too as the global pandemic continues to affect the movie industry.
Nevertheless, Leto getting to return to the DC role is a major move for the DCEU as this could potentially lead to him starring in other DC projects. Warner Bros. was initially trying to work on a Joker solo film for Leto as well as a shared movie with Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn. Despite the projects being scrapped as of last year, Leto's return could perhaps indicate that at least one of those films will happen. Depending on what happens in the Snyder Cut, it's possible that there's now revived interest from WarnerMedia's side to continue Leto's run as The Joker. But viewers will have to wait till 2021 to find out how Leto's Joker plays into Snyder's Justice League.
Source: THR
