Ever since that first trailer of Suicide Squad emerged, we’ve been reading horror stories about Jared Leto’s extreme commitment to the role of the Joker. His co stars have even said that the actor used to send them ‘rare gifts’ such as live rats while on set, apparently to get them in the mood!
Will Smith also mentioned in an interview that he never really met Leto, in spite of the fact that he plays alongside him in the film, because he was always on character during the entire time of the shooting. Now, the actor and 30 Seconds to Mars frontman has spoken up about this defining role to explain why he’s taken the part so seriously.
Leto told Entertainment Weekly, “The work that’s been done on this character by so many people before me has been so impactful, so incredible, so much fun, so profound, so risky, that it’s a very special thing to be asked to take on that responsibility.”
“Whether you’re a composer working on a piece of music that was written a century ago, or you’re an actor on stage, reinterpreting a play, it’s very common these days,” he added. “Directors take on great works of cinema, actors reinterpret roles, that’s been going on for a great deal of time. From Scarface to Hamlet. In some ways it’s really interesting to reinterpret, redefine.
“It a weighty thing to do. But it’s exciting. The Joker is one of those roles. He was written brilliantly when he was first shared with the world 75 years ago, or something crazy like that. And I think I’m just really grateful I had the opportunity.”
#Peace.Love.JaredLeto
