Jared Leto
"Suicide Squad" actor Jared Leto, pictured here at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles on Aug. 30, 2015, recently revealed details about his Joker character in the upcoming film. Getty

With “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” headed to theaters soon, many are already looking ahead to DC Comics' less hero-driven follow-up, “Suicide Squad,” mainly to get a load of Jared Leto as The Joker. With the clown prince of crime poised to lead the group of anti-heroes on a dark adventure, the actor is finally speaking out about what it took to play the role.

Empire Magazine recently devoted its cover to the upcoming movie, which is based on an arc from the comic books that sees the government adopt a program to send some of Batman, Superman and other principal villains on missions so dangerous that they require an expendable team of extraordinary bad guys to get them done -- or die trying. Among the members of the squad is Batman’s arch nemesis, a character that Leto revealed to the outlet was one of the darkest he's ever had to inhabit.

“There was definitely a period of… detachment” the actor explained (via ComicBookMovie). “I took a pretty deep dive. But this was a unique opportunity and I couldn’t imagine doing it another way. It was fun, playing those psychological games. But at the same time it was very painful, like giving birth out my prick hole.”

According to CinemaBlend, Leto did such a thorough job with the character that he never stopped being The Joker, even on set, much to the chagrin of some of his co-stars. In fact, there seems to be a pattern with actors who attempt to bring the infamous Batman villain to life on the big screen. The first to embody the character, Jack Nicholson, previously claimed he warned “The Dark Knight” Joker actor Heath Ledger about the stress of the role. Ledger, prior to his death in January 2008 (just before the film’s release), told reporters that the role was one of the hardest head spaces he'd ever had to visit, saying it took both a physical and a mental toll on him, according to the New York Daily News.

Although The Joker may be the most recognizable member of the Suicide Squad to take the stage later this year, he’s got some pretty fantastic and demented co-stars to share the screen with. The cover issue of Empire Magazine also includes some set photos featuring Joker and Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) apparently before she goes crazy and becomes a villain herself. In addition, Cara Delevingne’s character, Enchantress, can be seen in the collection of photos as well, posted by ComingSoon. As the outlet notes, these three will also be joined by Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney, Karen Fukuhara, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jay Hernandez, Adam Beach, Will Smith and Viola Davis. In addition, Ike Barinholtz, Scott Eastwood, Raymond Olubowale, Alex Meraz, Jim Parrack and Common have mystery roles in the film.

What are your thoughts on Leto being the third man to inhabit the Joker character? Comment below or tweet your thoughts on the performance to @TylerMcCarthy.

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