The Suicide Squad director James Gunn explains why he would have rather not include Joker. The Clown Prince of Crime joined the DC Extended Universe back in 2016 when Jared Leto appeared in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad. Despite minimal screentime, the appearance of Leto’s Joker became very divisive, as did Ayer’s film. This drove Warner Bros. and DC Films to move an alternate way with the franchise’s future, which included bringing Gunn into the overlay for a sequel/reboot.
It’s been months since The Suicide Squad’s release, and Gunn’s DCEU film gotten great reviews. In another interview with Desde Hollywood (via Comicbook), the author/director again addressed the decision to leave Joker out of the film. He cites the superb work others have done in adapting Joker and wanting to elevate obscure characters as reasons why The Suicide Squad didn’t feature the Joker. Read his full statement underneath:
There’s all sorts of other characters I’m interested in doing. Joker isn’t really one of them. He’s been done well so many times by so many individuals. I’m significantly more interested in taking characters who haven’t completely had their shot, or individuals who I [connect with].
Based on Gunn’s thoughts about Joker, fans shouldn’t anticipate that he should appear in future DC projects he’s involved with either. Joker wouldn’t fit with Peacemaker based on what is had some familiarity with the HBO Max DC series. WB and DC haven’t affirmed that Gunn will get back to guide a sequel to The Suicide Squad, however it is relied upon to happen eventually. At the point when it does, fans probably shouldn’t hold out trust for a Joker appearance there either.