Suicide Squad Director Regrets One Thing About Jared Leto’s Joker
David Ayer, director of Suicide Squad, acknowledges flaws in the Joker’s character, as reported by CBR. While he approves of the performance Jared Leto delivered, he has reservations about certain aesthetic choices. Specifically, Ayer expressed regret on X (previously Twitter) over the Joker’s “damaged” forehead tattoo, writing, “I own the tattoo idea 100%.”
Suicide Squad was released in 2016, earning over $746 million globally. The film, despite its financial success, received criticism from both critics and fans. Jared Leto’s portrayal of the Joker was notably divisive, as his version showcased a contemporary gangster aesthetic, marked by tattoos, a gleaming grill, and flashy jewelry.
Suicide Squad director David Ayer says he regrets Joker’s forehead tattoo in the movie.
In the same post, the 55-year-old filmmaker went on to explain that his initial concept was for the tattoo on Jared Leto’s Joker’s head to read “blessed” rather than “damaged.” He admitted his choice was a bad one that created division amongst fans. Furthermore, he joked that he’s fully prepared to suffer the wrath of the internet for the decision.
Unfortunately, the version of the Joker that Jared Leto portrays is just one of many criticisms Suicide Squad has faced. Another commonly raised issue is the movie’s inconsistent pacing and jumbled storyline. Many agree that the film seems to have suffered from extensive post-production edits, leading to a disjointed viewing experience.
Another complaint raised by viewers is the film’s poor character development. The movie showcases a roster of fascinating characters, including Jared Leto as the Joker, Jai Courtney as Boomerang, and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc. However, they lack depth or sufficient backstory to make them resonate with audiences.
Unfortunately, the version of the Joker that Jared Leto portrays is just one of many criticisms Suicide Squad has faced.
Jared Leto’s Joker, in particular, was heavily promoted before Suicide Squad’s release, but his role in the film was surprisingly minor. Many viewers felt his character was peripheral to the main storyline. Consequently, fans were disappointed, expecting him to play a more central or antagonistic role.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Suicide Squad sits with a low critics’ score of just 26 percent. However, the audience rated it higher at 59 percent. Despite this, viewers clearly had mixed feelings about many aspects of the film, including Jared Leto’s Joker and the questionable CGI.
Despite receiving mixed reviews, Suicide Squad proved profitable for Warner Bros., unlike Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice. The film had a production budget around $175 million. It garnered over $325 million domestically and an additional $421 million internationally.
While the film is available on Max, we recommend the superior The Suicide Squad by James Gunn, also streaming on the same platform.
In Suicide Squad, U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller assembles a team of the world’s most dangerous incarcerated super villains, equipping them with powerful weapons to tackle an unstoppable entity. Waller believes only this motley crew, with little to lose, can accomplish the mission. Yet, when the team realizes they were selected not for success but as scapegoats in failure, will they unite or turn against one another?
Along with Jared Leto, Suicide Squad stars Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney, Viola Davis, David Harbour, Joel Kinnaman, Common, Jay Hernandez, and Ted Whittall. Along with directorial duties, David Ayer penned the screenplay. While the film is available on Max, we recommend the superior The Suicide Squad by James Gunn, also streaming on the same platform.
