The DC live-action universe has had an interesting live on the silver screen. Despite the iconography of its characters and anticipation from the fans, the DCEU has been an unpredictable mixed bag. This includes David Ayer's villain-centric Suicide Squad, which arrived in theaters to poor reviews back in 2016. Despite high anticipation and some great cast members, the movie failed to deliver critically. One of the most divisive aspects of Suicide Squad was the portrayal of The Joker, played by Jared Leto. Leto's characterization and method acting dominated the film's marketing, and the villain rocked a very different look than usual-- including a full body and face of tattoos. Ayer recently addressed the "damaged" tattoo on the Joker's forehead, revealing he actually regretted that creative decision. When asked if the tattoo was his idea via social media, he admitted:
Yes I have to fall on that sword. It was one step too far.
Well, that was refreshingly honest. Despite the years worth of criticism that David Ayer has received due to this work on Suicide Squad, he's still able to look inwardly and take responsibility for certain choices.
David Ayer's recent Tweet is just the latest time the director has gotten real about the performance of Suicide Squad. The team up movie was highly anticipated when its musically charged fist trailer hit the web, but reshoots and plot changes resulted in a final product that was less than stellar. Still, Ayer has found the good in his Suicide Squad work. The movie ended up doing well at the box office, and even managed to pick up an Oscar for Best Makeup in 2017.
Overall, it seems like Jared Leto's Joker was one of the most challenging aspects of directing Suicide Squad, and one that David Ayer admits he didn't get perfect. There was a ton of Joker related footage that didn't make it into the film's final cut, with the iconic Batman villain ending up as a strange tertiary character. It seems like a more logical choice to make Joker the main villain, therefore giving Harley some internal conflict with regard to her new friends. But ultimately the DCEU's Joker didn't end up being as well received as the late Heath Ledger's.
Suicide Squad may have left much of Jared Leto's Joker on the cutting room floor, but there is hope for the beloved character. There's a movie with Joker and Harley Quinn in the works at the studio, while Todd Phillips' Joker will bring an origin story to the canon-- starring Joaquin Phoenix as the title character. There will be two Jokers competing for dominance, so it should be fascinating to see how it all shakes out at DC.
The next installment in the DCEU is James Wan's Aquaman on December 21, 2018. In the meantime, check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
