Who Plays the Joker in Suicide Squad 2
The question of who plays the Joker in Suicide Squad 2 depends on which version of the character and which film project is referenced, as plans and announcements have shifted over time. This evergreen explainer outlines the key names attached to the role across announced DC projects, distinguishes between canceled or retooled initiatives and active productions, and clarifies casting status with available details on actors, characters, and production timelines.
Confirmed Joker in the First Suicide Squad Film
In the 2016 film Suicide Squad, the Joker was portrayed by Jared Leto. Leto’s performance and portrayal were a major point of discussion for the movie, despite mixed critical reception of the overall film. His version of the character appeared in flashbacks and present-day scenes, interacting with Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and driving much of the drama surrounding the Enchantress mission team.
Initial Announcements and Development for Suicide Squad 2
Early Planned Cast and Directorial Direction
After the first film’s release, director David Ayer was attached to return for a sequel, initially titled Suicide Squad 2 or later referred to as The Suicide Squad before being redeveloped. Early announcements and set photos generated speculation that Jared Leto would reprise the Joker role, but development faced delays, script rewrites, and shifting creative direction.
Transition to James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad
When James Gunn was brought on to lead the reimagined The Suicide Squad (released in 2021), casting changed significantly. Jared Leto did not return as the Joker; instead, Gunn introduced a new version of the character, played by actor John Cena in the role of Christopher Smith / Peacemaker’s nemesis, but notably the film included other DC villains while the Joker was not part of the final roster. This shifted the focus away from a direct Joker sequel and clarified that Suicide Squad 2, as originally conceived, was not progressing unchanged.
Subsequent DC Projects and Joker Casting Rumors
Over time, various rumored announcements have surfaced about actors being considered or cast as the Joker in potential Suicide Squad sequels or other DC films. These rumors frequently reference upcoming DC Universe projects or alternate timelines, but few move beyond speculation or unverified development reports.
Rumored and Reported Names
- Jared Leto has been repeatedly linked to a return in earlier sequel discussions.
- Other rumored names in pre-Gunn and early development conversations have included Barry Keoghan and actors from villain ensemble concepts, though none were officially confirmed as the Joker for a Suicide Squad sequel.
Current Status and Context
As of the present, there is no officially announced or actively produced Suicide Squad 2 film featuring a confirmed Joker portrayal. DC’s focus has shifted toward new projects under the DC Studios umbrella, with multiple films and series in earlier development stages. Until a new Suicide Squad sequel is officially greenlit and casting is announced, the question of who plays the Joker in such a film remains unresolved and speculative.
Table: Notable Joker Attachments and Productions
| Actor | Project or Role | Status/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jared Leto | Suicide Squad (2016) | Confirmed as the Joker in the first film |
| Jared Leto | Early Suicide Squad 2 discussions | Reported but not confirmed; development stalled |
| Not applicable | The Suicide Squad (2021) | No Joker appearance; project reimagined by James Gunn |
| Various rumored actors | Unannounced sequels or DC projects | Speculative, no official confirmation |
Key Takeaways
- Jared Leto played the Joker in Suicide Squad (2016).
- There is currently no confirmed casting for the Joker in any released Suicide Squad sequel.
- Early talks of Suicide Squad 2 did consider Leto’s return, but these did not result in an active production.
- The Suicide Squad (2021) under James Gunn did not include the Joker, focusing instead on other villains and characters.
- Any future casting for a Joker in a Suicide Squad sequel remains speculative until an official announcement is made.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Jared Leto reprise the Joker in The Suicide Squad (2021)?
No. Jared Leto did not appear as the Joker in The Suicide Squad released in 2021. The film introduced new characters and villains without a Joker role.
Is there a Suicide Squad 2 in production?
As of now, there is no officially greenlit Suicide Squad 2 with confirmed casting. DC Studios has announced other projects, but a direct sequel to the 2016 film has not moved forward in its original form.
Who could play the Joker in future DC projects?
Until an official announcement, any actor linked to the role—including past mentions of Jared Leto or other rumored names—remains speculative. Production decisions, casting choices, and creative direction are still in early stages for any future villain-centric films.
Why was the Joker not included in The Suicide Squad?
The creative direction for The Suicide Squad, led by James Gunn, focused on a different set of characters and villains. The absence of the Joker reflects a new narrative approach rather than a continuation of the first film’s storylines.
Will we ever see a Joker in a Suicide Squad sequel?
It is possible that future DC projects could feature the Joker, but no current plans exist. Any such appearance would depend on new announcements, casting decisions, and storytelling priorities from DC Studios.