Jared Leto's Next Role Could Be His Biggest Yet

Ever since The Dark Knight was released and after late actor Heath Ledger’s death, it’s been difficult for many fans — including me — to envision anyone other than Ledger playing the infamous DC Comics villain, The Joker. Although I love everything Batman-related and know that The Joker is one of Batman’s most prominent foes, after the tragedy that surrounded Ledger’s death it seemed that there may forever be a dark shadow surrounding his character. So, now that actor Jared Leto is reportedly in talks to play The Joker in David Ayer’s upcoming film, Suicide Squad, I wonder how his performance may compare to the late Oscar winner’s — and how Warner Bros. plans to approach this sensitive role.

Though this news of Leto’s participation in the project is still just a rumor, the film Suicide Squad itself is confirmed: It reportedly focuses on a plot about the government allowing several supervillains to take on an important mission to redeem themselves in society, and it already has a release date for August 2016. Among the many rumors surrounding the film, some mention Tom Hardy, Will Smith, Margot Robbie and even Cara Delevingne joining Leto’s side as a possibility.

In fact, word is spreading that Delevingne might play The Joker’s love interest and comic book sidekick, Harley Quinn, after she posted a photo of the character to her Instagram in October with the caption, “Dress up time!!”

While I might be a bit iffy about seeing The Joker take the screen again so soon (yes, even six years feels a bit early to me) I do hope that — whether Delevingne takes on the role or not — Harley Quinn actually does have a place in this production. Bringing something completely different to The Joker’s story might just be the perfect touch to make others like myself feel more comfortable about someone new taking on the role of this villain.

Additionally, Leto did win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his powerful performance in Dallas Buyers Club, so if anyone does have to take on The Joker, I’m glad that it’s him. The role of this villain is an extremely complicated one, and considering the serious roles Leto has taken on — as well as his attention to detail — I’m sure he’ll put in his all.

Image: Cara Delevingne/Instagram, DC Comics