Jared Leto’s Joker Kills New Empire Magazine Cover

Empire Magazine keeps tradition by flaunting a colorfully demented capture of Jared Leto’s Joker from the upcoming ‘Suicide Squad’ for their December issue.

Jared Leto, Frontman of internationally adored supergroup “30 Seconds to Mars,” Academy Award winner for his transformational supporting role in ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ and now the NEXT Joker in Warner’s upcoming ’Suicide Squad,’ continues to make waves as he slays the colorful cover of Empire Magazine. Along with this ‘killer’ cover photo, the method actor has had a long cue of reported eccentricities born from his immersion into the Joker role, even leaving cast-mate Will Smith (who plays Deadshot in ‘Suicide Squad’) perplexed as to who the REAL Jared Leto really is.

I’ve never actually met Jared Leto. We worked together for six months and we’ve never exchanged a word outside of ‘Action!’ and ‘Cut!’ I literally have not met him yet. So, the first time I see him will be ‘Hey, Jared. What’s up?’ He was all in on the Joker. – Will Smith (Via Complex)

As alluded to in the intro piece, Leto is not the first Joker actor to grace an Empire cover (nor will he likely be the last). Heath Ledger, whose ‘Dark Knight’ Joker role landed him a posthumous oscar, ghoulishly graced the cover of the magazine in January 2008, prior to the release of the second installment to director Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed Batman trilogy.

Jared Leto - Joker - 'Suicide Squade' | Empire Magazine Cover (December 2015)

Heath Ledger - Joker - 'Dark Knight' | Empire Magazine Cover (January 2008)

Comparing the two covers, one immediately notices the dramatically differing interpretations of the long-vexing and maniacal Bat-Foe. Looking at Ledgers 2008 cover, we see the ‘clown’ aspect of the villain being highlighted. Between his posture, choice of attire (particularly vest and socks) and signature clownish face paint, Ledgers Joker brings forth a playfully dangerous Joker. On the other hand, Leto’s Joker is devoid of any overt clownish details, rather focusing on a more psychotic and seemingly stoic and somewhat real-world element. While many fans and critics have already weighed in on the varied likes and dislikes in regard to Leto’s tattooed look and spine tingling laugh from the end of the official trailer, one certainty is that he will be a VERY different and unique Joker.

Check out the official trailer for the upcoming villain-centric flick ‘Suicide Squad’ (and Leto’s spine tingling Joker laugh) below:

What do you think about Jared Leto’s Joker killing the cover of Empire Magazine? Did Ledger wear the evil grin better? Let us know in the comment section below!

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