David Ayer, the director of 2016’s Suicide Squad, remains optimistic that his version of the DC film will eventually be unveiled to the world. Despite facing multiple obstacles, Ayer expresses hope for his cut to materialize. In a recent interview with Total Film, Ayer acknowledged the resistance he faces, stating, “There are a lot of people that are invested in certain narratives that don’t want it to see the light of day.” The director understands the political headwinds working against the release of his cut, but firmly believes that the truth will prevail, asserting, “Something’s going to happen. Something’s going to be revealed. The truth always comes out.”
Earlier this year, Ayer shared his conversation with James Gunn, the co-head of DC Studios, who promised that his cut of Suicide Squad “would have its time to be shared.” Ayer’s confidence in his version is evident as he declares that his unseen film outperforms the studio release. The buzz surrounding his cut feels genuine and organic, and Ayer firmly believes that Gunn deserves to launch his own DC universe devoid of unnecessary drama surrounding past projects. However, Ayer admits that he finds himself constrained by the situation, comparing it to “riding a tiger” in a strange journey called life.
Heartbreak and Hollywood
Ayer has been forthcoming about the heartbreak he experienced when the Hollywood studio drastically changed Suicide Squad. Reflecting on the ordeal during an appearance on the Real Ones with Jon Bernthal podcast, Ayer candidly compared the workings of Hollywood to a distressing situation: “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.”
Suicide Squad boasted a star-studded ensemble, featuring Jared Leto as The Joker, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Will Smith as Deadshot, and Viola Davis as Amanda Walker. Each actor poured their talents into the project, only to witness their hard work altered or discarded in the final studio release. Ayer empathizes with the actors, recognizing the injustice they endured.
A Glimmer of Hope
In the face of adversity, David Ayer maintains an unwavering hope for his cut of Suicide Squad to see the light of day. While acknowledging the challenges posed by vested interests and political headwinds, the director believes that the truth will eventually prevail. With Gunn’s support and the genuine interest from fans, Ayer’s hopeful outlook stems from his unwavering belief in the quality of his unseen film. Regardless of the outcome, David Ayer’s journey with Suicide Squad serves as a cautionary tale of the perils of Hollywood and the enduring spirit of a determined director.