As far as I know, the general consensus of Jared Leto’s casting as the Joker was overall apprehensiveness. As they are with Batman, most folks are protective of the Joker after two pretty stellar live-action performances from Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger. I personally think it’s a little too soon for another shot at the Clown Prince of Crime, but I wasn’t unhappy. Leto is, by all accounts, a pretty gifted actor and does have a look that matches the traditional Joker: lanky with pointed features. Therefore, I’m optimistic.
As you’d expect, David Ayer, director of the upcoming Suicide Squad flick is optimistic as well. A fan posed a question to him via Twitter and he answered:
“@pottertardis: @DavidAyerMovies could you please describe jared letos’s joker in one word ?” Majestic #skwad
— David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) February 28, 2015
Pretty interesting word to use. I suppose he’s simply in awe or Leto’s performance is a lot more subtle than what we’re used to. Either way, if I had any real doubts, that would certainly help quell it. And then today, Leto himself gets on Twitter.
Hello Toronto! Long time no see — JARED LETO (@JaredLeto) March 1, 2015
So, he’s in Toronto. A normally benign tweet unless you knew beforehand that Suicide Squad is filming in Toronto. Granted, principal photography is set for April, so exactly what could he be doing there?
Well, here’s a clue:
Sets are going up #skwad pic.twitter.com/yZ28VTjcwL
— David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) February 28, 2015
They could easily be unrelated, but since they are building sets for “skwad” as Ayer calls it, maybe Leto’s there for some prep work? Possibly rehearsing?
Either way, we won’t be seeing Leto’s “majestic” take on the Joker until 2016.
Does this put your mind at ease? Or does it raise more questions? Let me know.