Every report about Warner Bros. upcoming DC Comics adaptation of the Suicide Squad, seems to trump the report preceding it. It was initially surprising that the film was being made in the first place. Then it was announced that burgeoning director, David Ayer (Fury) would be directing and rewriting the script. Then news came that the movie would be connected to the growing DC universe on film and A-list actors such as Will Smith, Ryan Gosling, and Tom Hardy, were all in various levels of negotiations for the film. Well, some news has hit that will change the cinematic landscape and is sure to get some more attention on Warner Bros’ upcoming slate of films.

The Wrap reports that actor Jared Leto is in talks to join the Suicide Squad as the Joker. The Joker is one of, if not the most iconic villain in comic book history. If the report is true, Leto would be following in the footsteps of many notable actors, such as Caesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, and Heath Ledger, who won an Academy Award posthumously for his work as the Joker in The Dark Knight. Ledger’s legendary performance is not only remembered by film enthusiasts, but his character has also seeped into pop culture in many areas as well. Following in his footsteps is as daunting a challenge to ask of an actor, as there is.

There are many traits that define Batman’s nemesis the Joker. Most notably his unpredictability and sense of chaos. If Leto does secure the role, rest assured that he would attack it with fearless abandon. In roles ranging from The Dallas Buyers Club to Chapter 27, he has proven to be able to disappear into his characters and is willing to stretch himself mentally and physically for a role.

This surely has larger implications for Warner Bros’ slate of upcoming DC Comics films. The report states that Joker wasn’t in the initial draft of the script written by Justin Marks, but that Ayer added him in during his rewrite of the screenplay. It would make even more sense that Warner Bros. would want to get the character into their upcoming Justice League film as well. And for those wondering how Harley Quinn, possibly to be played by Margot Robbie, would be introduced without her infamous boyfriend, she wouldn’t. It makes sense on every level.

The Wrap also explains that Ryan Gosling was the initial pick to play the Joker. He showed interest in the role, but didn’t want to sign a contract for multiple movies. Warner Bros. is clearly using the Suicide Squad as a platform to build the world of their DC characters before we see them in their individual movies. It’s possible that Will Smith could be in negotiations to play a character like Black Manta, who will eventually go on to face Jason Momoa’s Aquaman. Add to the mix Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor being in Suicide Squad as well and many of the major upcoming DC films suddenly feel a whole lot more connected. It is a clever way to reverse-engineer a comic book movie universe.

Expect for several confirmations and announcements to come from Warner Bros. as the media boxing match with Marvel continues. The film is due in theaters in less than two years so things will begin to move quickly soon and we might have a new cackling laugh to look forward to soon…

Suicide Squad is due in theaters August 5th, 2016.

What do you think of the new Joker being introduced in Suicide Squad? How do you like Leto in the role? Let us know on the comment boards,  and !

Source: The Wrap