Jared Leto’s performance as the Joker in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad immediately received criticism from fans, particularly due to the stark difference in Leto’s appearance from the traditional Joker look, as well as the iconic “Damaged” tattoo that Leto’s Joker has on his forehead.
Taking to social media recently, director David Ayer talked about his portrayal of the Joker. After sharing a photo of Leto in costume, one fan commented that Leto’s Joker was a huge letdown, to which Ayer said “that’s what happens when you hack a performance and character arc with those piece. I’m sorry that’s all you’re allowed to see. Now your mind is closed to the truth.”
In a follow-up tweet responding to a fan who asked about the creepy forehead tattoo, Ayer said it was meant to be a sign of the Joker “trolling” Batman after Batman, in film universe, knocked out Joker’s teeth by punching him. . However, Ayer said it was “an aesthetic choice” that he wished he hadn’t made, and “got a lot of smoke” for.
Aside from the face tattoo, Joker’s look – which also includes a grill due to his teeth being punched by Batman – was widely panned the moment it was shown. The next appearance of Suicide Squad didn’t help matters, and after the film premiered, Ayer’s vision of the Joker wouldn’t appear again until a small cameo role in Zack Snyder’s Justice Leaguewhere he appeared without a tattoo and longer hair.