Well, we certainly didn’t see this one coming: according to The Wrap, Dallas Buyers Club star Jared Leto is circling a key role in David Ayer’s upcoming Suicide Squad film, and that role is rumored to be none other than the Clown Prince of Crime, The Joker. We already know that Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Tom Hardy are in talks for the film, and there’s also speculation that Jesse Eisenberg will reprise his role as Lex Luthor for an appearance, as well.
The Joker wasn’t included in the original draft of the film, but sources say that Ayer is currently reworking the script in order to include The Joker. Apparently Ryan Gosling was the first choice for the role – his name had also been rumored to be attached to the film in some capacity – but he balked at signing a multi-appearance deal, so the studio moved on to other choices.
Leto has also been linked to other comic book films recently, with his name among the frontrunners for the role of Doctor Strange. But with Benedict Cumberbatch now in talks for that one, it looks like Leto is moving on and exploring other options. Suicide Squad seems like the perfect place to introduce The Joker to the DC cinematic universe, and if Ayer’s new draft also includes a role for Harley Quinn, as speculation has suggested, then it would make even more sense for The Joker to appear.
For now, Warner Bros. is declining to comment on the rumors, and Leto’s camp is also silent. But if there’s any truth to this story, look for it to come out before much longer, as Suicide Squad is expected to start shooting early next year.
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