"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" contained a handful of references to the newly minted DC Extended Universe's version of the Joker. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until this summer's "Suicide Squad" to see the iconic villain in action once more.
While Heath Ledger put a definitive spin on the character that will stand the test of time, another Academy Award winning actor is stepping up to the plate this time around. Jared Leto, who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in "Dallas Buyers Club," will take on the notorious role. To his credit, it's an undertaking that he took very seriously.
"The work that's been done on this character by so many people before me has been so impactful, so incredible, so much fun, so profound, so risky, that it's a very special thing to be asked to take on that responsibility," Leto said in a recent interview. "It's a weighty thing to do. But it's exciting. The Joker is one of those roles. He was written brilliantly when he was first shared with the world 75 years ago, or something crazy like that. And I think I'm just really grateful I had the opportunity."
But how will Leto's take on the character differ from previous actors? How will he separate himself from past iterations?
"You just knew you had to do something different," Leto explained. "You had to make it your own. That happens all the time. Whether you're a composer working on a piece of music that was written a century ago, or you're an actor on stage, reinterpreting a play, it's very common these days. Directors take on great works of cinema, actors reinterpret roles, that's been going on for a great deal of time. From Scarface to Hamlet. In some ways it's really interesting to reinterpret, redefine."
Though fan response to the film's two trailers have been overwhelmingly positive, the backlash to "Batman v Superman's" dark undertone has reportedly inspired reshoots for "Suicide Squad" in order to add in extra humor. Here's to hoping they aren't messing with a winning recipe, as fans were plenty excited for the film as it was already.
"Suicide Squad" is directed by David Ayer and also stars Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney and Joel Kinnaman. The movie will hit theaters on Aug. 5.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
