Suicide Squad director David Ayer clarified a recent rumor regarding his feelings towards Jared Leto's portrayal of the Joker.
When asked to comment on rumors stating that he wasn't happy with Leto's Joker in Suicide Squad, Ayer clarified, stating, "That is inaccurate information. Not my words or actions." Reports of Ayer's negativity toward Leto originated with an article from The Hollywood Reporter, which mentioned that "the director wasn’t that pleased" with how the actor played the Clown Prince of Crime.
Despite the director's positive experience working with Warner Bros. on Suicide Squad, Ayer is not set to direct the film's sequel. Instead, the sequel will be directed by Guardians of the Galaxy's James Gunn and will be released on Aug. 6, 2021.
With Joaquin Pheonix's performance in Joker receiving praise from critics and fans alike, Leto has been the subject of recent controversy. More recently, reports stated the actor even made an attempt to stop production on Todd Phillip's film upon learning it had been greenlit by the studio.
Directed by Todd Phillips, Joker stars Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais and Shea Whigham. The film is in theaters now.