Suicide Squad director David Ayer denies claims that he hated Jared Leto's Joker. It's been three years since Warner Bros. and DC's anti-hero-centric film debuted, and they're already working on another one. This time, however, with predominantly different people involved as James Gunn takes over helming and writer The Suicide Squad tipped to come out in 2021 and is described as a soft reboot. But as production for that goes on, the studio's initial take on the IP has become the the topic of discussion in fan communities following a report revealing new details about the 2016 movie.
This all began when a report from THR details how Leto was frustrated about Todd Phillips' Joker movie starring Joaquin Phoenix that he reportedly tried to kill it. It also reveals that the actor won't appear in Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), and it seems like there's no plans for him to pop out in The Suicide Squad either. Part of the original article also implies that Ayer didn't like the actor's portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime - something he vehemently denies.
Ayer was asked on his official Twitter account to comment on THR's reporting regarding his feelings about Leto's Joker in Suicide Squad, and the director obliged by straightforwardly debunking it. The filmmaker called it "inaccurate information," adding that those depicted in the article is not his words or actions. Check out his full tweet below:
There was so much anticipation on Leto's Joker prior to his Suicide Squad debut, bolstered by reports that the actor went totally method in preparation for his comic book role. The marketing for the film put him front and center, giving fans the idea that he'll be a major player in the narrative. This is why there was backlash once the public learned he had very limited screen time as if his appearance was only a glorified cameo. Since then, the actor has yet to reprise his role as the Clown Prince of Crime, and if recent reports turn out to be true, his days playing the iconic DC villain are pretty much over.
Admittedly, that's unfair for Leto. Assuming that he truly put in the work to effectively play such a high profile character. Considering how little he was in Suicide Squad, it's also difficult to have a set opinion on his version of the Joker, much more so to compare him with Phoenix's iteration. While there may not be any more Leto in the DCEU, comic book fans can still catch him over at Sony as Morbius The Living Vampire in Sony's Morbius. And given that he's top-billing in the flick, chances are that fans will see more of him as the character on the big screen.
Source: David Ayer
