David Ayer, Director of 2016’sSuicide Squad,has revealed that the original cut of theDCEUmovie was never even screened to test audiences.Suicide Squadremains one of thelowest-rated movies in the DCEUalongsideBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justiceand the theatrical cut ofJustice League. Criticisms are mostly leveled at its pacing, editing, and a script filled with shoehorned jokes that jarred with darker moments. Many believe that a troubled post-production was largely to blame for the negative reaction, though it seems the full story is more complicated.
David Ayerrecently took to X to clarify in response to whether last-minute edits occurred due to poor test screenings, revealing thathis original, more dramatic cut was never even test-screened before edits were made and “madness ensued.“His revelation has sparkednew calls for the “Ayer cut,“evoking a similar clamor for the Snyder cut of 2017’sJustice League. Ayer also stated in 2020 that his cut would be “easy to release” and it would be “cathartic” for him if it did. His full comments about the test screening can be seen below:
Ayer’s Previous Comments Lend Credence To This Revelation
Ayer’s comments draw a line beneath any belief that the post-production woes ofSuicide Squademerged out of a poor reaction to his original product. Ayer has also revealed on theReal Ones with Jon Bernthalpodcast in 2023 thatBatman v Supermanwas never test-screened, going on to state that the unexpected negativity it received influenced studio interference inSuicide Squad, pivoting entirely from the “dark, soulful” tone as a knee-jerk response.This tracks with the notion that his cut was never given a chance as the studio attempted to mitigate damageto the franchise.
10 Overlooked Positives You Only See Rewatching 2016’s Suicide Squad
2016’s Suicide Squad received a decidedly mixed reception on release, but the DC movie has some strong positives that become clear on repeat viewings.
The result is ironic given howa lack of test screenings forBatman v Supermanseemed to contribute to its overall failures. Whether the Ayer cut could be released in the context of the new DCU remains to be seen, though James Gunn hasn’t shot the idea down, according to Ayer. Others involved withSuicide Squadhave also expressed an interest in the original cut’s release - andZack Snyder’s Justice Leaguehas now set a precedent suggesting that it may happen, though not for a while yet.
I’m Hopeful That David Ayer’s Latest Comments Will Supercharge Demand For The Ayer Cut
It’s hard to hear Ayer’s true feelings on the fate of his originalSuicide Squadand not wish for theZack Snyder’s Justice Leaguetreatment. Ayer’s promise that the titular team was supposed to have experienced full character arcs is an enticing prospect, especially as I’m of the opinion thatJared Leto’s Jokerwas never given a proper chance to shine.Ayer’s revelation may have magnified support for the Ayer cut, and I hope James Gunn continues to be open to the idea of releasing the originalSuicide Squadunder the DC Elseworlds banner in the future.
Suicide Squad
Cast
The Suicide Squad team is made up of villains, captured and kept in a secret prison, and offered reduced sentences if they participate in dangerous missions. In the tradition of continuity within DCEU films, the event comes in the wake of Superman’s death and the seclusion of Batman after the events that occurred in Batman V Superman. Agency head Amanda Waller, played by award-winning actress Viola Davis, is the one striking deals with the inmates of Belle Reve Prison. Heading “Task Force X” is Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag, alongside Will Smith’s Deadshot, Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang, Jay Hernandez’s El Diablo, Adewale Akinnuoye’s Killer Croc, and Adam Beach’s Slipknot. Karen Fukuhara’s Katana also joins the mission to keep Rick safe from the villains. Jared Leto (Joker) and Ben Affleck (Batman) have smaller roles in David Ayer’sSuicide Squad, as does Cara Delevingne’s Enchantress.
