With Suicide Squad in production and excitement continuing to build around Jared Leto’s take on the Joker, fans were sent into a frenzy this week thanks to a cryptic new photo the actor shared on Twitter. In the image, Leto is seen wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a haunting expression—one that immediately drew comparisons to a very specific and iconic Joker moment from DC Comics history.
Longtime Batman fans were quick to notice that the hat closely resembles the one worn by the Clown Prince of Crime in Batman: The Killing Joke, Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s legendary graphic novel. First published in 1988, The Killing Joke is considered one of the most definitive—and disturbing—Joker stories ever written. It offers a chilling exploration of the Joker’s possible origin and includes several unforgettable scenes, including his brutal attack on Barbara Gordon.
Leto’s photo doesn’t confirm anything outright, but it’s enough to spark speculation that Suicide Squad might take inspiration from that storyline—or at least pay visual homage to it. Given that The Killing Joke has never been directly adapted into live-action, many fans are wondering if director David Ayer could be pulling elements from the comic into the film.
Though Suicide Squad is expected to focus primarily on the team of anti-heroes led by Amanda Waller—including Deadshot (Will Smith), Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), and Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney)—the Joker’s presence looms large. Leto’s version is rumored to play a major role in the film’s story, particularly in relation to Harley Quinn’s origins and the larger criminal underworld of the DC Extended Universe.
If the hat is indeed a nod to The Killing Joke, it would suggest a more psychological and possibly twisted portrayal of the Joker—something that aligns with everything we’ve heard so far about Leto’s immersive and intense approach to the role. Reports from the set and cast interviews have described Leto as staying in character even off-camera, sending disturbing gifts to fellow cast members, and fully diving into the chaos of the character.
While no official details have confirmed a Killing Joke-inspired plotline, the visual similarities can’t be ignored. Whether it’s a full adaptation or simply a stylistic tribute, it’s clear that Suicide Squad is embracing the darker corners of the DC universe—and fans are more intrigued than ever.
Suicide Squad is set to hit theaters on August 5, 2016.
— JARED LETO (@JaredLeto) August 10, 2015
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