David Ayer, the director of the 2016 film Suicide Squad, remains determined and hopeful that his version of the DC film will eventually see the light of day. In a recent interview with Total Film, Ayer expressed his optimism despite facing obstacles that have prevented the release of his cut. He acknowledged that there are many individuals who are invested in certain narratives and are opposed to his vision being made public. Ayer stated, “There’s an immense political headwind against it because if that cut were made public, the cowardliness and the whole just general shittiness of how the film’s been treated, and how the actors have had this great work that they’d done taken away… That narrative blows up once people see the movie. But it’s coming. Something’s going to happen. Something’s going to be revealed. The truth always comes out. It always comes out.” Ayer’s unwavering determination to showcase his version of Suicide Squad serves as a testament to his dedication and belief in the strength of his work.
Earlier this year, David Ayer revealed that he had conversations with James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, who assured him that his cut of the film “would have its time to be shared.” Ayer took to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to voice his thoughts, stating, “All I know is my unseen film plays much better than the studio release. The interest in my cut being shown seems real and organic. And Gunn told me it would have its time to be shared. He absolutely deserves to launch his DC universe without more drama about old projects. In a way, I’m chained to this thing. I’m riding a tiger here and navigating this situation the best I can. Life is a very strange journey.” Ayer’s collaboration with Gunn signifies the potential for his cut to be showcased to audiences, offering a glimmer of hope for fans and the director himself.
David Ayer has openly discussed the heartbreak he experienced when the Hollywood studio made significant changes to Suicide Squad, altering his original vision. During an appearance on the Real Ones with Jon Bernthal podcast, Ayer expressed his deep emotional connection to the project and the devastating impact of the alterations. He vividly summarized his disillusionment, stating, “Hollywood, I tell people, is like watching someone you love get fucked by someone you hate. The big one is Suicide Squad. That shit broke me. That handed me my ass.” Ayer’s candid admission highlights the challenges faced by directors within the industry and the personal toll that artistic compromises can take.
Suicide Squad featured a talented ensemble cast, including Jared Leto as The Joker, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Will Smith as Deadshot, and Viola Davis as Amanda Walker. Ayer’s vision sought to delve into the complexities of these beloved characters and bring them to life on the big screen. However, the studio’s intervention limited Ayer’s creative control and altered the final product that audiences ultimately saw. The release of Ayer’s cut would not only offer fans a unique perspective on the story, but it would also grant the actors the opportunity to showcase the work they initially contributed to the film.
David Ayer’s unwavering optimism and determination to have his cut of Suicide Squad released demonstrates his commitment to his artistic vision. Despite facing opposition and the challenges of navigating the Hollywood system, Ayer continues to advocate for his version of the film. The potential unveiling of Ayer’s cut holds the promise of revealing the true essence of the characters and providing a fresh perspective for audiences. As Ayer aptly stated, “The truth always comes out. It always comes out.” The hope remains that his version of Suicide Squad will finally be given the opportunity to shine.