Movies, Pop-Culture

David Ayer Says Jared Leto Was Mistreated

By

David Mudd

Director David Ayer has claimed that Jared Leto was mistreated for playing Joker in Suicide Squad. The actor essayed the role of the DCEU’s Crown Prince of Crime in Warner Bros. and DC Films’ 2016 supervillain team-up film. And although the marketing for the project put him at the epicenter of the campaign; the Joker barely fit into the film’s plot; causing a vitriolic fan backlash.

The film instead focused on the Suicide Squad itself. With the absolutely lovable portrayal of Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Will Smith’s Deadshot, and whatever’s left of Task Force X as they went on a secret mission masterminded by Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller.

Who Mistreated Leto?

Suicide Squad Director David Ayer Talks The Ayer Cut - FandomWire

Leto’s time on screen as the Joker was so short that many labeled his appearance as nothing but an extended cameo. Despite initial reports of spinoffs in development; including a movie focused on Harley Quinn and Joker; fans were ecstatic that they would see more of the actor as Joker in the DCEU. But as the DCEU learns from its mistakes, that spinoff doesn’t seem to be likely now. Especially considering Leto will forever be unfavorably compared to  Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the character.

The film’s director, David Ayer has gone on record to state that his cut of the film was changed in the editing room. Ayer has subsequently confirmed that his cut of the film is real and it exists and also that it wouldn’t take much to finish and release it. Admittedly, while I’m intrigued to see an Ayer Cut, I would rather that I saw the director’s vision in the theatrical release itself. If only studios didn’t have kneejerk reactions to trends!

Ayer didn’t reveal just who mistreated Leto during the film’s post-production, but all fingers seem to be firmly pointed at Warner Bros. for how the meddled with the film.