Suicide Squad director David Ayer has confirmed that, in retrospect, the “damaged” tattoo on the Joker was probably a “step too far.”
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Tattooed prominently across the forehead of the Jared Leto incarnation of the Joker, the “damaged” tattoo drew critical ire at the time of the film’s release. Ayer (End of Watch) is now copping to it not being his best idea, answering a fan on Twitter who asked if he was the one to come up with the idea. Ayer tweeted: “Yes I have to fall on that sword. It was one step too far.”
Yes I have to fall on that sword. It was one step too far. https://t.co/WE80aWUTwy
— David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) September 24, 2018
Ayer has been very open about his behind-the-scenes disagreements with Warner Bros. over the final cut of the 2016 DC Cinematic Universe film Suicide Squad. The film, which was reportedly written on an incredibly accelerated schedule, went through a number of changes over the course of its production. One element that clearly hasn’t aged well for the director/writer seems to be that tattoo.
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Ayer will not be returning for Suicide Squad 2, which is currently in pre-production. The sequel will be directed by Gavin O’Connor (The Accountant).