Suicide Squad: Jared Leto Considered Playing The Joker “An Honor”

From perfecting the iconic cackle to the countless reports of pulling pranks on set with his co-stars, Jared Leto’s descent into insanity to play the Clown Prince of Crime has been fascinating to watch, and it’s an example of method acting that ought to make for a mesmerizing performance when Suicide Squad rolls around in August.

Reflecting on that journey in an interview with Ellen, Jared Leto held up Suicide Squad as the “most fun” he’s ever had in his film career, before going on to reveal that playing the role of the Joker opposite Task Force X was a “real honor.”

“I got the call and was invited to play The Joker, which was terrifying and exciting and an honor,” said the method actor. “It was really the most fun I’ve ever had on a film in my life; I had a blast. It was a real honor to get asked to play the part. These characters are so special to people and I have a lot of respect for that.”

Though many believe Leto’s off-screen antics have cast a shadow over his upcoming turn as the DC supervillain, there’s no question that the role has evolved into one of the more interesting performances among David Ayer’s ensemble cast.

Speaking of which, joining the Oscar-winner for Suicide Squad are Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney, Cara Delevingne, Karen Fukuhara, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jay Hernandez, Adam Beach and Viola Davis.

Suicide Squad is expected to arrive on August 5. It’s by no means the only outing for Task Force X going forward though, considering that Warner Bros. is reportedly keen to kick on with a sequel, not to mention the recent announcement of a Harley Quinn-fronted spinoff movie.