Jared Leto revealed to Empire Magazine on some details about his approach to playing the Joker in 2016’s Suicide Squad. It's not clear whether or not we'll see a lot of him in the movie, but he did give us an interesting insight to his take on playing the character.

jaredjoker1.jpg

He’s older than you think

He dived in and listened to 1920s gospel music and reading literature on shamans and felt that green hair made him look older.

jaredjoker2.jpg

He’s modeled after cartel members and LA gangs

The film’s producer Charles Roven officially said that the look is inspired by Mexican cartels, while director David Ayer’s preference for LA gang culture as seen in past movies like Street Kings is visible as well.

jaredjoker3.jpg

He’s a social/psycho businessman

Leto says this time around he’s not only insane, but a businessman and crime boss. Very successful, smart, and also a sociopath.

jaredjoker4.png

Not even his friends are safe when it comes to a laugh

Leto had to become the kind of guy who torments everyone around him with pranks. He routinely called castmate Jim Parrack, who plays one of the Joker’s henchmen, requesting roses painted black, and backpacks filled with 9-inch nails (the literal thing, not the band).

jaredjoker5.jpg

He’s got a lot more tattoos

The character is definitely painted in a new light with a lot of tattoos.

jaredjoker6.jpg

He’s unlike any Joker before

Leto wants to make it very clear that he’s nothing like Nicholson or Ledger, or even Caesar Romero from the classic 1960’s Batman TV show.

jaredjoker7.gif