Have you heard about the level of commitment Jared Leto showcased while portraying the Joker in Suicide Squad? He went to great lengths to fully embody the character, even going as far as sending his co-stars, such as Harley Quinn star Margot Robbie and Viola Davis, who played Amanda Waller in two Suicide Squad films and appeared in a small cameo role in Dwayne Johnson’s critically panned Black Adam, some unsettling gifts like live rats, dead hogs (according to ET Canada), used c*ndoms, and bullets.
Method Acting Meets Jared Leto’s Unsettling Gifts
Fans and critics eagerly anticipated Jared Leto’s debut as the Joker in Suicide Squad. Known for his ability to fully embody his characters, Leto was determined to make his portrayal of the Joker unforgettable.
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Adopting a method-acting approach, he fully immersed himself in the role both on and off-screen. To accurately depict the iconic and unpredictable villain, Leto delved deep into the psyche of madness. To fully embody the character, he believed that the Joker’s madness should extend beyond the set and impact the lives of his co-stars.
During the filming of Suicide Squad, Viola Davis, a renowned actress known for her incredible performances, experienced the unsettling side of Jared Leto’s dedication to his role as the Joker. Leto sent his co-star’s disturbing gifts to keep them off-balance, which reflected the chaotic nature of his character.
Some of the unsettling presents included live rats and bullets. Opening a package to find live rodents scurrying around can be distressing, even for the strongest individuals. Unfortunately, this was the reality that Viola Davis faced while filming the movie.
Viola Davis’s Frightening Experience
Viola Davis, a force to be reckoned with on-screen and off, rarely succumbs to fear. However, live animals sent by Leto as part of his method-acting ritual is where she drew the line. In an interview with E News!, Davis admitted, “It was a little worrisome…”
“It was a little worrisome. It made you a little bit nervous, and I’m pretty tough. You know I got into a few fights when I was growing up… but it scared me a little bit.”
On a separate occasion, the Black Adam star further went on to relate the now-infamous incident of her co-star Margot Robbie receiving a live rat. A terrified Davis was still present in the room when the gift made its grand entrance. Witnessing the whole aftermath, she recalled in an interview with NME,
“I was saying loudly, ‘Don’t open the box!’ I was halfway out the door when [Robbie] opened the box. And saw the biggest black rat you could imagine. Then … she cooed at it. No fear. Open. Receptive. Full of joy.”
Davis has shared a candid revelation that offers a unique insight into Leto’s method acting and how it impacted his co-stars. The actress admitted that even for a seasoned performer who is known for her resilience, Davis was disturbed by Leto’s unusual gifts, highlighting the unsettling nature of his approach.
Viola Davis remained resilient despite being shaken by Leto’s disruptive behavior. She took precautions to ensure her safety during their interactions and kept a can of pepper spray nearby after filming ended.
Jared Leto’s portrayal of the Joker in Suicide Squad has left a lasting impact on the character’s cinematic legacy. His dedication to the role, exemplified by his unsettling gifts to fellow cast members such as Viola Davis, added a sense of authenticity to the character that captivated and disturbed audiences.
Source: E! Online
