With a new Batman on the scene, it was only a matter of time before DC and WB found a new movie Joker. While it seems unlikely that he’ll have anything more than a brief cameo (if that) in 2016’s Batman V. Superman, it sounds like Warner Bros. has already started casting for the role, and Harley Quinn might not be very far behind.
According to TheWrap, Oscar winner Jared Leto is “circling” the role, with plans for the character to appear in Suicide Squad. Leto recently won the Academy Award for his performance in Dallas Buyer’s Club:
He was also recently rumored to be in the running for Marvel’s Doctor Strange, although by all accounts that’s not going to happen.
The report adds that none other than Ryan Gosling was also in talks for the part, but ultimately declined due to the number of sequels he would have to commit to.
Also on WB’s radar is Margot Robbie for the role of Harley Quinn, the Joker’s girlfriend/partner-in-crime. Colider reported this one, although they did not specify how close Robbie is to signing a deal. The actress is probably best known for her role in 2013’s The Wolf of Wall Street:
When DC’s slate of films was revealed, Suicide Squad was one of the most interesting picks on the list. In the comics, the Suicide Squad is a team of supervillains who go to work for the US government in exchange for their freedom. They’re formed into an off-the-books black ops team, sent in to perform the most dangerous missions (hence the name). If done right, it could be dark, violent, and overall, present an angle that DC’s main competitor, Marvel, has not even remotely touched upon yet.
As DC and WB struggle to play catch-up with Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, an original idea like Suicide Squad could give them a way to stand-out.
Suicide Squad will be the third film in the new Justice League movie series, and will likely hit theaters in August 2016.
Also rumored to be circling the film are Will Smith, Tom Hardy, and Jesse Eisenberg, who would be reprising his role as Lex Luthor after debuting in Batman V. Superman.
