When it comes to the Joker, pretty much all the discussion right now is centered on Joaquin Phoenix’s recently-revealed take on the popular DC villain in Todd Phillip’s upcoming origin film. While it’s getting to the point where you’d need to be the “World’s Greatest Detective” to try and make sense of DC’s cinematic universe plans, it’s important to remember that Phoenix isn’t the only Joker in town. As far as we know, Jared Leto is going to reprise his role as the Clown Prince of Crime at some point in the future but so far, we’ve only seen him play a minor role in 2016’s Suicide Squad.
Although it was a box office hit, Suicide Squad was heavily ridiculed for a variety of reasons, including a nonsensical plot and absurd third act to, of course, Leto himself. Admittedly, some people were fans of Leto’s “Hot Topic” Joker, many others couldn’t even get past his design. When the first images of Leto in Joker makeup were released, many fixated on how absurd he looked, with particular scorn leveled at the now-infamous “Damaged” forehead tattoo. While it’s too late to do anything about it now, Suicide Squad director David Ayer recently voiced his regret over the tattoo.
Responding to a question on Twitter asking about the origins of the Joker’s tattoo and whether it was his idea, Ayer admitted that it was his mistake and it was “a step too far.”
Yes I have to fall on that sword. It was one step too far. https://t.co/WE80aWUTwy
— David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) September 24, 2018
It’s always refreshing when a director can own up to creative decisions that may have gone awry, but we’d argue that the major problem with Leto’s Joker wasn’t his look but that he wasn’t given enough screen time in Suicide Squad to truly come into his own. Leto only appears in like a half dozen scenes (if that) and is really just a minor character in the whole affair, so we likely haven’t seen all that he’s capable of doing in the role. With a Harley Quinn and Joker movie still (probably) in the works, Leto has another opportunity to show us what he can do.
And hey, tattoo removal is always an option!
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20 Hidden Details In Suicide Squad You May Have Missed
Suicide Squad is certainly an odd movie for Warner Bros. and DC to position as one of the earliest introductions to their shared cinematic universe. As an offbeat ensemble picture focused primarily on B and C-list villains, David Ayer’s latest film would seem like a tough sell for audiences who have likely never read a Suicide Squad comic or are unfamiliar with a majority of the characters. Although the film does an adequate, if insufficient job of filling in the gaps, Suicide Squad is a film that truly rewards the observant comic book fan, as it’s packed with all sorts of references and hidden Easter eggs. While some of the following are easier to spot than others, you would certainly be hard-pressed to catch all of the following hidden details upon first viewing!
20. Harley Quinn and Joker – Alex Ross Cover
It’s hard not to notice the brief shot during Harley Quinn’s introductory sequence of the former Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel and her Mr. J dancing arm in arm while dressed to the nines, with the Joker in a dapper suit and Harley in her traditional red and black jester costume. What you may not realize is that this shot is a direct callback to artist Alex Ross’ famous cover for Batman: Harley Quinn. It’s certainly a shame that we only get to see Harley in her original costume for this brief moment, but we’ll give it a pass considering it honors one of the greatest comic book artists of all time.
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2015/07/01/comic-con-new-alex-ross-piece-shows-batman-interrupting-joker-and-harleys-tango Source: IGN Comics