Suicide Squad: Jared Leto praises Heath Ledger as the Joker: 'It's one of the best performances ever in cinema'

'If it had only been portrayed by Heath, maybe I would have felt that would be inappropriate'

Despite Suicide Squad not being out yet, Jared Leto’s version of Batman villain the Joker has already proven contentious with fans; from the ‘damaged’ tattoo across his forehead to Leto’s reported behaviour while on set, many have questioned whether the actor is perhaps trying a bit too hard to be weird.

Of course, the 30 Seconds to Mars singer has some big shoes to fill. Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker in 2008’s The Dark Knight, gained the actor a posthumous Best Supporting Actor Oscar and critical acclaim across the board.

In an interview with The Rolling Stone, Leto acknowledged Ledger’s iconic portrayal as the bank-robbing, dollar-bill-burning psychopath, discussing how other people’s portrayals of the Joker helped him perfect his.

"Heath did an impeccable, perfect performance as the Joker," Leto told the publication. "It's one of the best performances ever in cinema. I had met Heath before. I didn't know him well, but he was a beautiful person.”

Leto also explained how he was resistant to taking on the character so soon after Ledger’s death, yet felt buoyed by the fact multiple actors had played the Joker before him, including the likes of Jack Nicholson, Cesar Romero, and Mark Hamill via voice work.

"I think had it only been portrayed by Heath and it was never a comic book, maybe I would have felt that would be inappropriate," he continued. "But I thought that given the history, it was OK. The good thing about other people having done this is that you know what direction not to head in.”

A new trailer for Suicide Squad was recently released, with fans believing they may have seen a certain member or the Justice League (not Batman) in the clip.