Why DC Just Cancelled Jared Leto's Joker Movies

1. They're Taking A Different Approach To Harley

As was previously mentioned, Harley Quinn has quickly become one of DC's most popular properties these last few years. The release of Suicide Squad catapulted the character into newfound heights of popularity, and with Margot Robbie committed to the role for the next few years, WB have alerted to the character's franchise potential.

The character gets top billing in Cathy Yan's upcoming Birds of Prey film, and though that too is another ensemble, it seems a given that Quinn will occupy an integral role. Compared to Suicide Squad 2 and Gotham City Sirens, where Quinn would've likely played a not-so-important role under Ayer's guidance, it's understandable as to why WB have opted to let the character move forward on her own, with new allies, and without the Joker.

Given how most of Quinn's success in recent years has stemmed from her not being with the Joker, separating the character and ditching Leto altogether is actually way more obvious than it probably seems, especially now that he's contracted to Sony's Universe of Marvel Characters.

Joaquin Phoenix is gearing up for a new, Elseworlds-style take on the character away from DCEU continuity, and without Leto's Joker holding her down, Quinn has all the freedom she needs to survive, thrive, and usher in a whole new era of DC stories.