David Ayer Says WB Cut The First 40 Minutes Of Suicide Squad

We’ve always known that much of David Ayer’s vision for 2016’s Suicide Squad was chopped out of the theatrical version of the movie, hence why fans are so desperate for Warner Bros. to share the director’s cut of the film. And now, Ayer has revealed just how much was lost from the theatrical release, claiming on social media that the first 40 minutes were removed.

The filmmaker often responds to fans on Twitter, answering their questions about what he had planned in SS that we never got to see. This Saturday, one person asked him: “What was the toughest scene to leave on the cutting room floor?” Ayer simply responded: “The first 40 minutes.” Ouch.

This makes a lot of sense with the start of the theatrical cut, which is a pretty frenetic jumble of introductions for the various members of Task Force X. It adds up that Ayer would have initially put together a more organic opening that allowed the story and characters a bit of breathing room.

But will we ever see those missing 40 minutes? Well, that’s what DC fans keep on hoping for. Since the announcement that Zack Snyder’s Justice League is coming to HBO Max, it seems a lot more possible than it was before. WB is investing a heck of a lot into the Snyder Cut, though, with reshoots happening now, so it’s likely we won’t get any news on a potential Ayer Cut until Justice League is released and we find out whether it’s a massive hit or not.

In the meantime, Suicide Squad‘s Jared Leto is returning as the Joker in Snyder’s new version of the aforementioned pic, which is an encouraging sign. And Margot Robbie and a bunch of other cast members are back for James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, which hits theaters next August.