We’ve already seen blurry pics of Jared Leto in character as The Joker in the upcoming “Suicide Squad” from director David Ayer, and based on them, we already know that this iteration of the famous DC Comics villain will be unlike anything we’ve seen on the big screen so far.
However, perhaps not even the most insightful and imaginative fans expected something like this: this (above) is The Joker, as shown in a photo posted by Ayer on Twitter, on the occasion of the character’s anniversary. Can you really blame the fans for losing their marbles and venting on Twitter?
The Joker is different and that might not be a good thing
First things first: given how popular and well received Heath Ledger’s Joker in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” was, it’s not surprising that David Ayer is going into a different direction for his own take on the iconic character.
After all, Ledger’s version was proclaimed the “perfect” villain because he gave the best performance ever in a comic book movie - a feat that’s yet to be topped. So the moment Leto was cast, it became clear that he had large, very large shoes to fill in.
The best option for him was to go in a different direction and do his best to create a memorable character. No matter what he did, comparisons would still spring up, but at least he would do it his way and not by trying to replicate another actor’s work.
Still, it’s shocking to see The Joker this… deranged. The visual changes to the character are perhaps what stands out the most for fans of the comics: he’s no longer wearing a suit, he has grillz both on his upper and lower teeth, and he’s covered in tattoos.
That’s not exactly how one would imagine The Joker, but in this particular photo, it seems to work: the character was always at his most dangerous when he was the most unpredictable, and Leto’s is nothing if not unpredictable-looking.
He might not be the most subtle fellow out there (check out the “damaged” tattoo on his forehead), but he is frightening and intense and dangerous.
Depending on which fan you ask, that’s enough to promise a memorable turn on the big screen, when the film comes out. Others see this departure from tradition as a bad omen: you’re free to reinvent the character, but you can’t take things this far and still claim you’re working with the same character.
Fans react with surprise, disappointment, humor
You will find below some samples of fans’ reactions to this new Joker. Many are surprised in the most pleasant way: Leto is a Method actor and he never takes roles that he doesn’t want. When you have someone who doesn’t work for money but for the art of it, who has an Oscar to show for his hard work and dedication to a role, you have the recipe for a memorable performance, just like Ledger’s was.
This photo is confirmation that he will do justice to The Joker, they say.
On the other hand, other fans can’t get over the tattoos and just how insane this new Joker looks. The reason Ledger’s Joker worked so wonderfully was the quiet menace in everything that he did: he wasn’t dangerous because he acted insane all the time, but rather because he actually seemed to make sense on most occasions.
He was an anarchist with a purpose, and except for the moments when he exploded, he really came across as a reasonable guy. Well, you know, ignoring the green hair and makeup, and that atrocious purple suit. Ledger’s Joker wasn’t dangerous for the things he said or did, but for those he made you think he was capable of.
Leto’s version seems the exact opposite of that, and many fans find the exaggeration a bit hard to swallow.
Then, there’s the group who can’t get over the tattoos. These are the same people who find humor in the new pic, mostly because, obviously, to get all that ink, you have to also make sure it doesn’t get infected.
If you have tattoos, you know. The mental picture of The Joker applying moisturizer on his fresh tat is enough for some fans to not take him seriously.
“Suicide Squad” will be out in August 2016.
The Suicide Squad wishes you a Happy Anniversary Mr. J! #Joker75 #SuicideSquad @WarnerBrosEnt @DCComics pic.twitter.com/LZXz0x947Q
— David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) April 25, 2015
too cool to put the joker in a purple suit? then you are too cool to be making a movie about a murderous clown, you mirror-style dork
— Cohen is a ghost (@skullmandible) April 25, 2015
The Evolution of The Joker pic.twitter.com/05zevurYQr
— Superhero Feed (@SuperheroFeed) April 25, 2015
Evolution. #TheJoker pic.twitter.com/S0GHJnffGP
— Daniel Alter (@DAlter007) April 25, 2015
Boy, if you didn't like Jared Leto's take in the Joker, you're going to hate the new Harley Quinn... pic.twitter.com/7q84jojkA5
— Stone Chin (@GreatWallofChin) April 25, 2015
They made a Hot Wheels car based on the Joker then a 2nd group of people made a person based on that Hot Wheels car? pic.twitter.com/cAS3INSAsh
— Seanbaby (@Seanbabydotcom) April 25, 2015
Soon as I saw the photo @JaredLeto as the Joker it reminded me @FrankMillerInk and @JimLee Joker Batman and Robin pic.twitter.com/2Tuo9MXstQ
— Comic Book Vibe (@comicbookvibe) April 25, 2015
I am so happy :) Goodnight, sleep with a smile on your face no matter how much you look like the joker 😂
— Joey Kidney (@joeykidney) April 25, 2015
idk why everyone's complaining about the Joker's new design, I think it looks cool pic.twitter.com/7rB3YwCO3N
— Misogamer Morgan (@rokkankitten) April 25, 2015
Is it me or is every iteration of #TheJoker becoming one step closer to being just a crack dealer out of a clown school in France?
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) April 25, 2015
I can't wait to find out what The Joker's stomach tat says.
— Devin Faraci (@devincf) April 25, 2015
oh wow I can tell this version of the Joker is a real bad dude because his origin story involves falling into a vat of hot topic
— Brock Wilbur (@brockwilbur) April 25, 2015
so the new joker definitely vapes right
— erika (@weevilbabe) April 25, 2015
Oh hey, I used my minimal Photoshop skills to fix #SuicideSquad Joker. You’re welcome. pic.twitter.com/lzg7jTdX6s
— Donna Dickens (@MildlyAmused) April 25, 2015
Remember when everybody said Heath Ledger couldn't upstage Jack as the Joker?
— Randy Watson (@OGMarcusC) April 25, 2015
Let’s look at the bright side, guys. The Joker is supposed to be upsetting.
— Pablo J. Gallaga (@PendejoJoe) April 25, 2015
Joker's 'Damaged' is as subtle as the guy who writes 'Bat + Man' in a game of Pictionary. We get it! But...you're kinda missing the point
— Space Jam (@Sir_JD) April 25, 2015
love this new joker design pic.twitter.com/8NHIHPgucg
— andi (@captaintrash) April 25, 2015
Joker looks insane and awesome.
— Yo Adrian! (@MLAATRDude) April 25, 2015
Joker with tattoos? Is he an insane and twisted murderous clown or an angsty teenager defying his parents?
— Charlie (@Mays136) April 25, 2015
Ok so those ka-razzzy HAHAHA's are supposed to be tattoos right? So does that mean just the tip of the Joker's left nipple is tattooed?
— #1 Yharnam Mayor Mug (@bombsfall) April 25, 2015
I love the idea of The Joker taking time to carefully tattoo "Ha" all over his body. The Joker, carefully applying bactene and moisturizer.
— Anthony Carboni (@acarboni) April 25, 2015
I have often said there's no wrong way to portray the Joker, as long as you do the basics. Now, I'm not sure. pic.twitter.com/2p5V6ojxwb
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) April 25, 2015