The Joker is such an elementary comic book villain that any new version is likely to be compared to previous iterations. It is therefore rare that an actor can play two versions of the character within a few years, but this is the blessed life of one Jared Leto. As part of the run-up to the release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, the director has released the first images of the new version of Leto on the Clown Prince of Crime Vanity Fair. The results are more than a little gloomy.
You may remember the original Leto Joker for his tattoo – in particular the finely printed “damaged” on his forehead or the variety of “hahahahahas” on his body. That version of the character from Suicide Squad was an edgy, annoying boyfriend for Harley Quinn, but he grew up a bit in Snyder’s new / old movie and apparently lost his iconic tattoos.
The new version of the character features longer hair and more aggressive makeup (maybe that’s what the tattoos cover?), And Leto apparently also has the over-the-counter wardrobe in favor of a hospital gown, face mask and gloves.
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A more ‘mature’ approach to DC characters is kind of Snyder’s MO, but well-founded versions of the Joker were also popular recently. The completely separate film continuity of Todd Phillip’s joker eventually received so well that it was nominated for a string of awards at the Academy Awards, including Best Picture, with Joaquin Phoenix winning Best Actor for his portrayal of the character. The new Leto Joker could very well continue from that ‘seriousness’.
The inclusion of the Joker was announced last year as one of Snyder’s new additions to its Justice League director’s cut. The director has now revealed that the character will appear according to a very specific, apocalyptic part of the film Vanity Fair.
Spoilers for Zack Snyder’s Justice League under:
Joker appears in the new movie during a series that takes place on a ruined earth after the alien tyrant Darkseid invades and destroys the planet. It’s a dream series, a psychic vision, experienced by Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne that reveals what will happen if the superheroes can not stop the onslaught. Joker is a kind of Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, which provides motivation through terror.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League will be released on March 18 on HBO Max.