Look, Suicide Squad wasn't exactly what you'd call a great movie. That's not to say anybody in particular is to blame for that -- after all, there were plenty of talented people involved in the creation process. Even Jared Leto's maligned take on Joker might have had some legs if the majority of his footage wasn't collecting dust on the cutting room floor. In any case, the narrative surrounding David Ayer's villainous romp is far from flattering, though it does have its ardent supporters all the same.
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Supporters who have once again mobilized on social media with a simple goal: push for an official "Ayer Cut" of Suicide Squad, one that presumably features the bulk of the lost Joker footage -- a loss that has been largely thought to have occurred due to studio intervention. And seeing as Zack Synder's long-awaited Justice League cut recently secured a release date (against all odds, some would say), Ayer has once again taken to social media to drum up Suicide Squad hype. How? By firing off an appropriately edgy Joker meme, of course.
Following the picture, fans sparked up a campaign of #ReleaseTheAyerCut, with the aim to follow the footsteps of Snyder's own Justice League. Though it's unclear as to whether this one will have the same momentum as its DC counterpart, one has to wonder if morbid curiosity to see more of Leto's Joker will prove fruitful. Should a David Ayer cut of Suicide Squad ever surface, will you be tuning in?
"Suicide Squad" Director David Ayer’s "Heart Breaks" For Jared Leto’s Joker
"Suicide Squad" writer and director, David Ayer, confessed that his "heart breaks" for Jared Leto because of how misunderstood his portrayal of the Joker was.
Suicide Squad writer and director, David Ayer, took the time to interact with some fans over Twitter earlier this week about how misunderstood the character of the Joker, portrayed by Jared Leto, was in the 2016 DCEU film. Despite the immense hype that surrounded the super-villain centred movie prior to its release, Suicide Squad proved to be a widespread disappointment, with many diehard fans and newcomers alike regarding Jared's depiction of the Joker as particularly awful. Although he did have some large shoes to fill—most notably the late Heath Ledger's in 2008's The Dark Knight—his performance was still less than impressive, with some even deeming it the worst onscreen portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime in history.
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However, Ayer certainly doesn't feel that way. In fact, he sympathizes with Jared to this day due to how much work he put into the character, only for it to be criticized so heavily. The filmmaker responded to a fan's explanation of why the Joker's notoriously mocked "Damaged" tattoo across his forehead was actually "ingenious" given the back story.
"I think the damaged tattoo is actually pretty ingenious, but only for those who understand," the fan tweeted. "Joker got the tattoo because batman damaged his smile in a failed attempt at revenge for killing Robin. All with the intent to antagonize and infuriate Batman simply by seeing his face." Ayer replied that that was "exactly" right, but another fan was less than satisfied with this. "Sorry David. If that was indeed the explanation, it was your job to clearly convey that to your audience during the film," they replied. "Not on a twitter feed years later. Leto was done a disservice by omitting that story point, as I’m sure every acting choice he made was informed by that."
Ayer jokingly replied, "I am shame" to the semi-sarcastic tweet, before responding to another fan who chimed in on the Joker discourse.
"Despite how much some DCEU fans love Jared's Joker, he was too creepy for compassion, and his look didn't convince everyone like Batfleck did, appearances matter," the fan tweeted. "David, you're dealing with nerds who dislike Henry's Superman because he doesn't wear the trunk, you know that right?" Ayer acknowledged the fan's concerns, responding, "For sure character creation is a tightrope. I took inspiration from the current DC comics."
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"I find it incredible it’s still such a topic 5 years later," he continued. "My heart breaks for Jared - he did magnificent work. Most of it remains unseen." Ultimately, it looks like the biggest issue with Jared's Joker was that the character didn't receive enough screen time in the final cut. What are your thoughts on this years-long debate?
Jared Leto Just Found Out About Coronavirus
Actor Jared Leto was on a silent meditation retreat in the desert for twelve days, finding out about the global pandemic hours ago.
Our world has drastically changed in the last few days. As social distancing becomes a thing, humans across the globe are being urged to stay inside their homes and avoid any non-essential contact with others. The novel coronavirus is spreading like wildfire and, in Italy, the death toll has reached a depressingly large number. It’s crazy to think that some people still aren’t even aware of the pandemic but, much like actor Jared Leto, there are those that are not yet privy to details of the change in our lifestyles.
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The star of Dallas Buyers Club took to social media on Monday (March 16) to tell his followers that he had just found out about the coronavirus pandemic after returning from a 12-day meditation retreat.
“Wow. 12 days ago I began a silent meditation in the desert. We were totally isolated. No phone, no communication, etc. We had no idea what was happening outside the facility. Walked out yesterday into a very different world. One that’s been changed forever. Mind blowing – to say the least,” wrote Leto on Instagram.
“I’m getting messages from friends and family all around the globe and catching up on what’s going on. Hope you and yours are ok. Sending positive energy to all. Stay inside. Stay safe.”
During such a crucial time, it’s important for us all to practice social distancing right now before things get worse than they already are. Take care of yourself and your family.
Jared Leto Posts Video After Near-Fatal Rock-Climbing Incident
Jared Leto was almost a goner after an accidental rock-climbing incident.
Jared Leto, the notable actor turned musician, shared the aftermath footage of the moment a rock-climbing incident could have led to his death. The 48-year-old Louisiana-bred thespian took to his Twitter account this past Friday (March 6) to share photos and video of what transpired when he began to notice the rope that was supporting his body weight had begun to fray before he could establish himself in a save spot in the world-renowned Red Rock Canyon in Colorado.
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The Suicide Squad actor, captioned the initial Twitter post featuring a photo of him gripping onto the side of a cliff and his frayed support rope, writing:
"Not to sound dramatic, but this is the day I nearly died. Took a pretty good fall climbing with @AlexHonnold at Red Rock. Looked up and within seconds the rope was being cut by the rock while I dangled some 600 ft in the air. I remember looking down at the ground below."
Leto followed up the original Tweet with a short ten-second video of the incident where his helmet cam recorded the footage of the Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman frantically gasping for air and attempting to calm his nerves, as he states:
"Holy f*cking sh*t! Holy f*ck! It was fraying right at the point!"
With Jared Leto and the rest of the Morbius (2020) cast preparing to go into full promo mode prior to the release of the "Living Vampire" movie in July, it would be tragic if the world and the production lost their leading man to an unexpected rock climbing accident. Check out Jared Leto's scary rock climbing moment in the photos and video provided below.
The Essential Guide To "Morbius" Backstory, Enemies, and MCU Connections
Familiarize yourself with a look at the upcoming movie adaptation of “Morbius The Living Vampire” and where the Jared Leto film fits into the broader Sony/MCU canon.
The trailer for Sony’s Morbius should’ve been anticipated. Whether Martin Scorcese likes it or not, comic book movies are now an ingrained part of the cinematic world and the latest new property to come down the pipeline takes things into previously uncharted territory. Two years removed from their last attempt to expand their roster with the Tom Hardy-starring Venom, Sony is primed to return with another character that’s walked a very fine line between hero and villain.
Set to be unveiled this summer, Morbius’ forthcoming release will be Jared Leto’s second attempt at portraying a cherished comic book character. After his tattooed and toned interpretation of The Joker was met with a mixed response from fans and the studio itself, the actor/Thirty Seconds To Mars frontman has signed on to portray the infamous living vampire. Helmed by Swedish director Daniel Espinosa—famed as Child 44 and purported Venom prequel LIFE— its brief teaser trailer has left many entry-level Marvel fans wondering where this mysterious character ties into the world they’ve come to know.
Created by former Marvel editor-in-chief Roy Thomas and Gil Kane, Morbius’ origins date all the way back to 1971 in The Amazing Spiderman #101-102. Originally, the character was modelled after actor Jack Palance and hailed from Greece. Like other famed Marvel alter egos such as Donald Blake (Thor), Reed Richards and Otto Octavius, Morbius comes from a medical background as a world-renowned, PHD-sporting biologist that set out to find a cure for his rare blood condition. Brought about by combining electroshock therapy with the DNA of vampire bats, a make-or-break experiment went awry and resulted in him killing his lab assistant on the spot. Imbued with many of the powers and afflictions that are synonymous with the mythical beings, an important distinction is that Michael is a “pseudo” or “living” vampire and as such, his bite turns his victims into these same hybrid creatures.
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After hopping on a ship to America and feasting on the blood of the entire crew, Morbius arrives in New York and finds himself entangled in a battle with not only Spider-Man, but Dr. Curt Connors’ The Lizard. Taking place shortly after Spidey had grown four extra arms, the arc is eventually resolved when one encounter sees the friendly neighborhood wallcrawler extracting a blood sample from the vampire and ridding himself of his new mutation. Since then, Morbius has became a trusty staple of the comic book universe, flitting between both sides of the hero-villain divide and getting into skirmishes with everyone from The X-Men and Ghost Rider. The subject of his own 32 issue run from 1992-1995, he even sank his fangs into Blade back in 1999. Enlisted by Dr. Strange as a member of The Midnight Sons in order to wage war against the demonic Lilith, Morbius also had a hand in the comic book edition of Civil War, tasked with getting the aforementioned vampire hunter’s signature for the “superhero registration act” by S .H.I.E.L.D.
Although most Morbius-oriented storylines have played out across inked panels, Leto isn’t the first man to take on the role. The living vampire has been briefly brought to life in animated and live-action productions. Previously depicted in a deleted ending to Wesley Snipes’ Blade, this fleeting 1-minute scene—which can be seen on YouTube—was intended to set the “living vampire” up as the sequel’s central antagonist before the studio opted in favour of Jared Nomak and Damaskinos. Older viewers may also recall the character through his brief spell on the heralded Spiderman: The Animated Series. Rendered in a more Transylvanian vampire tradition, viewers witnessed his origin story take shape as a result of a bat interfering with a science experiment, leading the new and improved Morbius on a relentless hunt for “plasma” — not to mention in hot pursuit of Spidey’s love interest Felicia Hardy. While that was watered down for younger audiences, the new movie is not yet classified but the success of previous R-rated Sony outings such as Deadpool and Logan could lead them down a suitably gritter path.
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Beyond altering his early years from living under the tyranny of an abusive mother to a horrific spell at boarding school, some of Morbius’ powers mapped out in the trailer are consistent with what we’ve seen in the comics. After a brief glimpse of the transformation that he describes as “not exactly legal,” Leto cites increased strength, speed and the use of echolocation as well as the burden that comes with his newfound gifts— “an overpowering urge to consume blood.”
We also see Adria Arjorna in the role of Martine Bancroft, a fellow biochemist and, in the source material at least, Michael’s fiancé. On top of that, the film marks the first appearance of Tyrese as Simon Stroud. A CIA operative turned S.H.I.E.LD Agent within the comic books, the kinetic armor around his forearm would suggest that he could be acting on behalf of the shadowy organization from the outset. From there, the Fur Elise soundtracked teaser gives us a glimpse of Matt Smith. The third Doctor Who alumni to enter the MCU behind David Tennant (Jessica Jones) and Christopher Eccleston (Thor: The Dark World), he’ll be playing the role of Loxias Crown, otherwise known as Hunger. According to Marvel, Crown “benefits from experiments conducted on the Living Vampire Morbius and becomes the Vampiric Being known as Hunger, whose bloodlust may outweigh his unwilling maker.”
Although unconfirmed, Morbius’ previous storylines mean that these invasive tests could be conducted by comic book villain Doctor Paine, a sadistic physician that nurses a morbid fascination with Morbius and even held him captive to see what’d occur if he was deprived of blood. Intriguing as this all is on its own, the combination of a title card that stipulates “In association with Marvel” and a few subtle hints to the wider MCU has amplified the chatter surrounding the film. Towards the trailer’s final moments, fans were taken aback by the sight of Michael Keaton reprising his role as Adrian Toomes, otherwise identified as the shunted salvager-turned-malevolent Vulture from Spider-Man: Homecoming. Aside from inadvertently giving us the chance to see Batman and The Joker share the screen in a Marvel production, the appearance of the Chitauri-tech-powered villain implies that Morbius could have broader implications for the Sony universe/MCU relationship.
Beyond wild theorising from the fandom, an opportunity for further blurring of the lines between the studios was actually mentioned by Marvel’s cinematic mastermind Kevin Fiege himself. Amid his adulation over the deal they’d struck to keep Tom Holland’s web-slinger in the MCU stable, the acclaimed film producer suggested that the iconic character that would be crucial in fostering a gateway between the two on-screen worlds: “Spider-Man is a powerful icon and hero whose story crosses all ages and audiences around the globe. He also happens to be the only hero with the superpower to cross cinematic universes, so as Sony continues to develop their own Spidey-verse you never know what surprises the future might hold.”
As if that wasn’t enough, we also get a fully-fledged Spider-Man Easter egg in the form of a mural on a wall that’s been underscored with the words “murderer.” An allusion to the post-credits scene g of Spider Man: Far From Home in which Mysterio incriminates Peter Parker from beyond the grave, the inclusion of these two characters and the rumored appearance of JK Simmons as J Jonah Jameson raises the question of whether this film will have a far more robust grounding in the MCU than Venom had. Although the likeness of Spider-Man bears a greater resemblance to Tobey Maguire’s time as the crimefighter than Tom Holland’s Tony Stark-crafted suit, Feige’s comments take on even greater significance when you consider that Mahershala Ali’s Blade reboot is in the works for MCU’s Phase 5. Whether it comes in a subtle visual nod or reference in the dialogue, don’t be surprised to feel the presence of the sword-wielding half-vampire and long-time adversary of Morbius within the movie.
Months away from its scheduled release, it’s hard to predict whether this film will be a runaway success for Sony or another misstep in the vein of recent efforts such as X-Men’s Dark Phoenix. However, what’s clear is that its possible connections to the MCU and the insertion of a more macabre element to the comic book movie canon will have cinemagoers flocking to see Morbius in droves.
New "Morbius" Trailer Features An Unexpected MCU Cameo
What does it all mean?!
While the Marvel Cinematic Universe gears up for its official, and perhaps most mysterious, fourth phase, Sony Pictures continue to build their own Spidey-centric world. A world that may or may not be linked to the MCU, though that whole situation is a little tricky to navigate; contracts and all. True, despite hosting previously hosting a rampaging Venom, there doesn't appear to be any Spider-Man -- yet. What there is, however, is beloved antihero slash villain Micheal Morbius, a vampiric scientist first introduced in 1971's The Amazing Spider-Man #101.
Today marks the arrival of the first trailer for Morbius, starring Jared Leto in the titular role. From the look of it, the film appears to be following the classic origin story tropes; we've got a physical transformation from sickly to superhuman, a possible love interest slash acting moral compass, and an expectations-exceeding discovery of newfound powers. Despite fatigue for stories of this nature, the comic-book lore and admittedly badass looking protagonist should make for a flick that's -- at the very least-- enjoyable on a surface level.
And then there's the trailer's final scene, which blows the whole thing wide-open. What does it all mean? Who owns what rights? The questions are maddening. Join the madness for yourself
Margot Robbie Confirms Jared Leto Will Not Be Reprising Joker Role In "Birds Of Prey"
Harley doesn’t have time for her toxic ex.
In the upcoming spin-off of 2016’s hot mess Suicide Squad, Harley Quinn has emancipated herself from her longtime lover, the Joker. The almost-too-long title of the film, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), even informs this fact. Despite this evident reference to the infamous crazy clown character, as well as the various mentions of him in the trailer for the highly anticipated DC Comics project, Joker, who was played by Jared Leto in Suicide Squad, does not make any such appearance in the actual Bird of Prey film itself. According to Variety, Margot Robbie, who will be reprising her role as Harley, confirmed that “Leto’s incarnation of the character doesn’t appear, not even as a cameo.” She told Screen Rant, “In this film though we’re exploring her not being with Joker.”
This news is not entirely shocking, due to how unhealthy and toxic Harley and “Mista J”‘s relationship has always been, a sentiment that Margot seconds. She has never understood “why the wildly brilliant, unstable character” of Harley Quinn “would stay in a relationship with the Joker…who ‘wants to kill her most of the time.'” “What’s always surprised me,” she told Screen Rant, “and I said this when publicizing Suicide Squad, the first film, is that her relationship with Joker always did confuse me the most. That was the thing that took me the longest to get my head around.”
Though Jared’s Joker will not be disrupting Harley’s post-breakup high, Margot did have some kind words for Joker—the Joaquin Phoenix-starring Todd Phillips film, that is. Though she thought Joaquin “did a phenomenal job” in his role, she pointed out that Birds of Prey differs greatly from Joker in terms of tone. “I feel like the ‘Joker’ film was much more grounded. Ours is different. It’s heightened.” Margot not only stars in Birds of Prey but produced it as well, and it is set to hit theatres on February 7th, 2020.