Jared Leto: Joker Is Very Special

Jared Leto considers the Joker “very Shakespearean”

Jared Leto is the latest in a long line of actors to take on the role of the Batman’s arch-nemesis, The Joker in the upcoming Suicide Squad film. Not only is the character of the Joker legendary, being around for 75 years and one of the most important and influential characters in all of comics; each performance on the Joker has been considered not only unique but pretty legendary, ranging from Cesar Romero to Heath Ledger. Jared Leto talked about inheriting the role of this legendary character and being able to put his own unique spin on it:

"The work that’s been done on this character by so many people before me has been so impactful. So incredible, so much fun, so profound, so risky, that it’s a very special thing to be asked to take on that responsibility.He looks at playing The Joker the same way someone might approach a role in a Shakespeare play that’s been so well-defined by many actors before him.Whether you’re a composer working on a piece of music that was written a century ago, or you’re an actor on stage, reinterpreting a play, it’s very common these days. Directors take on great works of cinema, actors reinterpret roles, that’s been going on for a great deal of time. From Scarface to Hamlet. In some ways it’s really interesting to reinterpret, redefine. It a weighty thing to do. But it’s exciting. The Joker is one of those roles. He was written brilliantly when he was first shared with the world 75 years ago."

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Jared Leto is absolutely right. Every take on the Joker has been unique and nearly every one has been very well-received despite any initial backlash from casting. I really don’t expect this one to be any different as despite not being a fan of the over the top tattoos, I’m pretty confident in Jared Leto’s ability to pull off a unique and memorable performance. Suicide Squad opens August 5th.

h/t Comicbook.com