Director David Ayer surprised fans by sharing a new image of Jared Leto’s Joker, the iconic villain from the 2016 film Suicide Squad.
Shared by Ayer to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the photo showcases Leto’s Joker in a suit, and Ayer left the post without any caption, leaving fans to speculate on its significance. It’s the first time Ayer has revealed this particular photo, though it’s known that most of Joker’s footage was scrapped from the theatrical cut of Suicide Squad. The post has since generated considerable buzz among DC Comics enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.
The Original Suicide Squad Movie and Leto’s Joker The original Suicide Squad movie, part of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), first established Leto as the Joker. However, the film received mixed reviews from both critics and fans with a lot of criticism leveled against Leto. Following the release of the “Snyder Cut” of 2017’s Justice League, there have been discussions about a possible director’s cut of Suicide Squad, known as the “Ayer Cut.” This was partly fueled by the new footage of Leto’s Joker in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, which was rather well-received.
David Ayer’s Vision and Fan Demand David Ayer has been vocal about his desire for Warner Bros. to release his original vision of the film, and many fans have joined the movement to see this alternate version. The release of the new image of Leto’s Joker has reignited discussions surrounding the potential release of the “Ayer Cut,” which may completely change the way some fans see Leto’s Joker. Warner Bros. hasn’t bitten just yet, but fans continue to express their desire to see the director’s original vision for Suicide Squad.
Will the Ayer Cut Ever Be Released? Last year, DC Studios underwent a significant change in leadership, with James Gunn and Peter Safran taking over as co-chairs and co-CEOs. This development sparked hope among fans that they might consider releasing the “Ayer Cut.” Gunn, who also directed the quasi-sequel The Suicide Squad, addressed fan requests in an X post, while acknowledging the enthusiastic support for various DC projects. Gunn emphasized that their primary focus was on moving forward with new storylines, building the DC Universe across different media platforms. His vision aims to feature DC’s “diamond characters” Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, along with relatives new characters, in hopes of introducing them to a wider audience.
The Future of the DCEU and Joker The DCEU has seen multiple actors take on the role of the Joker over the years, with Joaquin Phoenix’s memorable portrayal in the standalone film Joker, which exists outside the DCEU continuity. As the DCEU nears its expected conclusion with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, fans are eager to see how the studio will shape its future projects, including potential releases like the “Ayer Cut.”
