Report: Jared Leto Tried to Stop Joaquin Phoenix Joker Movie

If you asked superhero moviegoers about the state of DC’s movie output this past decade, then ‘turbulent’ would likely be a prevalent descriptor – a word appropriate for the Joker situation.

After attempting to kickstart a movie universe of its own to challenge the MCU with 2013’s Man of Steel and then rethinking its strategy after the commercial failure of 2017’s Justice League, DC has gone in a new direction with its IPs.

The most obvious sign of this new direction is with the recent Joker origin film. Gone, it appears, is the slick-haired punk-rock Joker from Suicide Squad. In his place is a more down-to-earth, grounded one in his place, played by Joaquin Phoenix.

But as The Hollywood Reporter recently revealed, Jared Leto was none too happy with this. In fact, upon learning about the Todd Phillips-helmed Joker film, Leto complained bitterly to his agents from the CCA (Creative Artists Agency). As it turns out, said agency also represents Phillips himself.

Not only that, but Leto asked his music manager, Irving Azoff, to call Warner Bros. in a bid to cancel the project.

It appears that Leto was incredibly sore about not starring in said picture. This is because he was initially promised a Joker solo film of his own and felt betrayed.

In fact, Leto felt so betrayed that he split from the CCA altogether, feeling that the agency should have fought harder for his interpretation of the psychotic comic book villain. He has since switched over to competing talent agency WME, although he insists his annoyance at the situation wasn’t a factor in the move.

Further reports from THR seem to confirm that Leto’s time as Joker is well and truly over. His character won’t appear in James Gunn’s Suicide Squad reboot, nor will he be present in the upcoming Birds of Prey. However, Margot Robbie reprises her role as Harley Quinn in both movies.

Are you gutted that we may not see Leto play the role again? Share your thoughts in the comments below!