Jared Leto On Redefining The Joker

With Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in its second week, soon the eyes of DC fans will be shifting to the upcoming Suicide Squad film. Set to release August 5th, the film boasts an already star-studded cast that includes Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Jai Courtney. However, none as drawn more attention than Jared Leto’s tattooed take on The Joker which had its fair share of controversy among fans. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the Academy Award winner commented on his approach in portraying the Clown Prince of Crime.

“You just knew you had to do something different. 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…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.”

Leto goes on to say, “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.”

Though little is known about the plot of Suicide Squad, there is no question that Leto’s Joker will have some large shoes to fill. For all your Suicide Squad news and the latest developments, make sure to visit The Nerd Stash.

How do you think Leto’s Joker will do? Worried or excited about his performance? Sound off below!

Collin MacGregor

A recent graduate of Arcadia University, Collin MacGregor is a freelance video editor and writer. He covers video games, television, and film for The Nerd Stash. Collin currently is the head film/television reviewer for the site.