David Ayer Advocates for Release of His Cut, Highlights Stark Differences in Joker Character

Renowned filmmaker David Ayer is fervently pushing for the release of his original version of the 2016 DC Studios blockbuster, Suicide Squad, shedding light on the stark disparities in the portrayal of the Joker character played by Jared Leto. Ayer, using the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), revealed that in his cut, the Joker is an intense and formidable force of nature with a compelling story arc, contrasting sharply with the unfocused and silly representation in the studio-released version, where the character is relegated to being a mere prop.
In a recent interview with Total Film, Ayer emphasized the importance of unveiling his cut and expressed hope despite potential obstacles. He acknowledged the challenges, stating, “There are a lot of people that are invested in certain narratives that don’t want it to see the light of day. So there’s an immense political headwind against it.” Ayer believes that the truth will eventually prevail once audiences witness his version, debunking the prevailing negative narrative surrounding the film and its treatment of actors.
Ayer, who previously disclosed DC Studios co-head James Gunn’s openness to releasing his cut, remains optimistic about the future. He shared on X, “All I know is my unseen film plays much better than the studio release. The interest in my cut being shown seems real and organic.” Ayer acknowledged Gunn’s support, revealing that Gunn assured him that his cut would have its time to be shared. Despite the challenges, Ayer remains committed to navigating the situation and expressed the complexities of his journey, stating, “In a way, I’m chained to this thing. I’m riding a tiger here and navigating this situation the best I can. Life is a very strange journey.”
The sequel directed by James Gunn, titled The Suicide Squad (2021), largely departed from Ayer’s vision, introducing a different direction and maintaining continuity with only a few elements from the original film.
