Jared Leto's glorified Joker from 'Suicide Squad' is getting a standalone movie
If the X-Men universe and the more recent Deadpool franchise can be considered the R-rated iteration of the Marvel comic adaptations, then Suicide Squad seems to be doing the same for DC Extended Universe.
Riding on the star power of Hollywood topguns like Margot Robbie and Jared Leto, in 2016, director David Ayer introduced a version of the Task Force X, nicknamed Suicide Squad, on the big screen. With its assemblage of anti-heroes and psychotic villains, the Amanda Waller gang not only breathed a new life into DC's box-office records but also proved to be quite a hit amongst fans.
Leto's portrayal of the crazy clown prince supported brilliantly by Robbie's Harley Quinn went on to stir the grapevines with loyalists demanding a solo Joker movie. Two years after the film's release, it looks like fans' wishes will finally come true as the Oscar-winning actor prepares to step into his funny costume once more.
Reports confirm that works on a standalone Joker film is in early development and, if all goes well, the 'Dallas Buyers Club' actor would be a part of the franchise in the titular role. In addition to reprising his villainous appearance, the actor is also believed to be coming on board as the executive producer for the film, which will be expanding on the 'Suicide Squad' franchise, tieing in more projects in the future.
Apart from an official nod from the DC/Warner Bros camp on Leto's 'Joker' film, a word about the prospect writer and director is also pending. However, considering the hype surrounding the Batman antagonist, it was understandable that the studios would want to bank on the success and create more material branching out from the original franchise.
Leto had subtly dropped the idea last year. "I love the Joker," the actor had told On Demand Entertainment, during a promotional visit, adding, "He’s a great character and really fun character to play. But it’s a big universe and, when you play the Joker, there’s no ownership there. You have the honor of holding the baton for a little while and then passing it off. There are other films that are in development and I’m excited to see what comes from them."
It seems like he was right all this while — not only will his glorified Joker cameo be getting more screen time but there's more clown antics in the making as well. Apart from Leto, DC is involved with Todd Philips on a Joker-origin story.
However, the Philips' edition would take off under a completely different banner, one that's separated from the present state of DCEU.