Jared Leto’s Joker Reveal… (and why we love it!)

Apr 25

Posted by

(DC Comics, Warner Brothers, 2015)

(DC Comics, Warner Brothers, 2015)

Yesterday marked the 75th anniversary of the Joker (Happy Birthday Mr. J), and in celebration of this, Suicide Squad director David Ayer released the first image of Jared Leto as the clown prince of crime… and we love it! The above image has been met with both delight and scorn in the comic book community, with a lot of the upset seemingly coming from the fact that it is a complete departure from Heath Ledger’s version of the character.

Ledger’s portrayal of the master of mirth was astonishing, a fantastic version of the classic Bat villain, but it was a variation on a character that has been around since the early 1940’s, it isn’t the definitive version of the character, it is Nolan and Ledger’s own take on everyone’s favourite psychopathic clown.

The many live action variants of the Joker, each unique in their own way. Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger and Jared Leto.

The many live action variants of the Joker, each unique in their own way. Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger and Jared Leto.

Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, and Heath Ledger may have portrayed the same character on-screen, but their rendition of Batman’s nemesis was unique to each actor and time period, no live action version of the Joker (so far), has managed to completely encapsulate the Joker as he is depicted in the DC comic book universe.

This explains why Jared's version of the Joker has capped teeth!!

This explains why Jared’s version of the Joker has capped teeth!!

Jared Leto and David Ayer’s rendition seems closer in style to the pyschotic, demented clown from such comic book greats as Alan Moore’s Killing Joke, or Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Returns, which makes their version of the Joker an exciting prospect indeed.

The Suicide Squad movie is scheduled to be released in 2016, alongside Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman. 

About Bruce Hodder (formerly known as ArcaneHalloween)

Fanatical about comics, gaming and horror movies... but then isn't everyone?

Posted on April 25, 2015, in Comics, Comics in film and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. 12 Comments.

  1. inspiredbythedivine1 | April 25, 2015 at 16:00

    Wonderful! He’s gonna knock this part to the moon! Can’t wait.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. inspiredbythedivine1 | April 25, 2015 at 16:05

    Looks like he’s going for the “Killing Joke” Joker. That’s the most deranged version I can remember. Be cool, too, when we eventually see him battle Affleck’s Bats. Awesome.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Baby Nightsoil | April 25, 2015 at 16:43

    There’s so much Joker mythology in this pic- I love it! It’s like every Joker from the comics in the past 30 years with as little from the movies, TV shows, and video games as possible.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Heather M. | April 25, 2015 at 16:52

    Heath Ledger did amazing at the Joker and I hate that he wasn’t around long enough to continue on with that version of the Joker. My brother made me look up Jerad Leto as the Joker last night and I am in love with it. I can’t wait to see how this movie turns out.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • ArcaneHalloween | April 25, 2015 at 16:58

      I’m glad you like the look of the Leto version Heather, he looks masterfully crazy in the pic! and I also think Ledger’s version of the Joker was astonishing! Jared Leto is an unbelievably talented actor, so I personally believe he has the necessary skills to portray the definitive version of the clown prince of crime!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. Heena Rathore P. | May 1, 2015 at 11:33

    Oh my! He looks totally awesome! I loved Heath Ledger too but Jerad Leto’s looks so… contemporary… I love it.
    Can’t wait to see Batman knock out this super psychotic joker! 😀

    (PS: I watched Avengers: Age Of Ultron yesterday and then when I slept I still dreamt about Batman rescuing me from zombies! lol! I so wish Batman movie hit the theatres soon!!!)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • ArcaneHalloween | May 1, 2015 at 11:43

      He does indeed look amazing, I too liked Ledger’s take on the Joker, but personally believe Leto’s version will be even better, he has already captured Joker’s deranged and crazy attitude in just that one picture alone. Thanks for reading and commenting Heena, have a great day.

      Like

      Reply
  6. SASS-A-FR-ASS | May 7, 2015 at 03:31

    When I seen Leto as the Joker I wondered WHY hadn’t he been one before now? Although I did like Ledger’s different take on the Joker, Leto feels exactly like the comic book character came to life. He’s going to knock his performance right out of the park. Can’t wait!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment