First look at Jared Leto as The Joker

David Ayer has revealed what his take on one of the most iconic villains in comic book lore will look like… and fans are divided.

We already knew that Jared Leto was going to be playing The Joker in Warner Bros. super-villain movie Suicide Squad, and over the last few weeks his transformation from long-haired heartthrob to demented clown has been teased. Last night we got a full look at just how crazy things will get.

The famed green hair is as vibrant as its ever been. Heath Ledgers’ Joker featured a more drained look with the straggly, unkempt locks of manky green matching his more complex version of the character. Jack Nicholson, on the other hand, rarely had his hat off in Tim Burton’s Batman film.

This time around we get what looks like the craziest Joker yet.

Many commentators have focussed on the tattoos that adorn Leto’s body in the image. The “HAHAHAHA” inking seems to be a nod to the screen past of the character, although the “damaged” wording across The Joker’s forehead is too simplistic for some.

The look has drawn criticism from some for being brash and has already been lampooned as being similar to the famous Macaulay Culkin image from the film Home Alone. Others have praised Leto, the styling is as over-the-top as the comicbook incarnation had originally been depicted.

Suicide Squad will be released next year, and features Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Cara Delevingne, Jai Courtney, Joel Kinnaman as well as Jared Leto.