Last week, we got a very interesting look at what's to come in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice courtesy of Total Film. Now, it's the turn of Empire to delve into the future of the DC Extended Universe, and they've done so with an in-depth look at David Ayer's Suicide Squad. The issue won't actually be released until Wednesday, but I've managed to get my hands on a copy early, and what it reveals about Suicide Squad is sure to drastically alter how you view the first ever villain led comic book movie. With new images focusing on everyone from The Joker to Killer Croc and Harley Quinn, the magazine is also packed full of shocking new story details and major character reveals, not to mention insightful interviews with cast members like Jared Leto, Will Smith, and Cara Delevingne. Suicide Squad is a big gamble for Warner Bros., but if the initial reaction to that Comic-Con trailer is anything to go by, it's one which looks set to pay off in a major way for them. I've admittedly had my doubts about the chances of Suicide Squad's success, but things are now looking up as it becomes clear that if nothing else, this one is going to be worth watching for The Joker...
10. Jared Leto's Very Different Joker
That's a pretty unique looking Joker, right? Well, the magazine reveals that both his appearance and modus operandi are inspired by the Mexican cartels, with Suicide Squad produce Charles Roven pointing out that this take on the Clown Prince of Crime is, "More social...a very successful and smart businessman besides being a sociopath." Jared Leto meanwhile confirms that he never broke character on set, and it turns out that it wasn't just the likes of Margot Robbie and Will Smith he tormented with bizarre gifts. Jim Parrack (who plays The Joker's henchman, Jonny Frost) would apparently receive calls at random times throughout the day with strange orders to spray paint roses black and fill backpacks with nine inch nails. "There was definitely a period of...detachment," Leto explains about getting into the mind of a character like The Joker. "I took a pretty deep dive. But this was a unique opportunity and I couldn't imagine doing it another way. It was fun, playing those psychological games. But at the same time it was very painful, like giving birth out of my prick hole." Er, that's certainly one way to describe it! Leto also dropped a potentially very interesting titbit when he mentioned that he listened to 1920s gospel music and read literature on shamans. Why? "I always get the sense that The Joker may be much older than people think," he teases. "It's something different. If you don't break rules, you're not going to strike new ground..."
