David Ayer’s Suicide Squad Cut Could Still Happen

David Ayer's Suicide Squad Cut Could Still Happen

Key Takeaways

  • Demand for Ayer’s vision of Suicide Squad remains despite obstacles from Warner Bros.
  • The success of other DCEU projects may influence the fate of the Ayer cut.
  • Creature Commandos and Superman could be crucial to the potential release of Ayer’s version.

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of film, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy for director David Ayer and his unrealized vision for “Suicide Squad.” Having been in the trenches of movie-making myself, albeit on a much smaller scale, I understand the passion, dedication, and heart that goes into every frame of a film.


Despite the DC Extended Universe led by Zack Snyder being a thing of the past, the clamor for the original version of David Ayer’s “Suicide Squad” has not waned. Fans have been eagerly awaiting Warner Bros to release the director’s cut since it was revealed that the 2016 movie didn’t match what Ayer originally filmed and edited. The trailer for “Creature Commandos” reignited these calls due to its resemblance with the lore, but many believe that Ayer’s vision, now known as the “Ayer cut,” is no longer an option.

Following the triumphant effort to bring back Zack Snyder’s Justice League, which had been hampered by studio intervention, there appeared to be a glimmer of hope for Suicide Squad. However, James Gunn’s acclaimed reboot, The Suicide Squad, and the transition from the DCEU to a new DC Universe have seemingly extinguished these hopes. Yet, history suggests that there remains a tenuous, though thin, possibility for the realization of Ayer’s vision. Potential projects like Creature Commandos and future movies such as Superman, if they prove successful, could unexpectedly support Ayer and his supporters.

Suicide Squad’s Troubled Production Still Hurts

David Ayer's Suicide Squad Cut Could Still Happen
TitleSuicide Squad
DirectorDavid Ayer
Release DateAugust 5, 2016
Box Office$749.2 million
Rotten Tomatoes26%

The unfortunate fate that struck Suicide Squad was being the initial victim of studio executives adjusting their preferences, largely due to the mixed response and less-than-stellar box office performance of Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. In an attempt to emulate the success of the family-friendly Marvel Cinematic Universe, Warner Bros executives chose to restructure their universe. This shift resulted in several original concepts for films like Suicide Squad being abandoned in favor of a more lighthearted approach. Scenes, character arcs, and designs that didn’t fit the new tone were subtly revised behind the scenes. Notable alterations included redesigning the villain Incubus and modifying Jared Leto’s portrayal of the Joker, a change that sparked significant backlash among fans as they felt his interpretation of the Clown Prince of Crime was being mocked.

Regardless of its impressive $746 million box office revenue, Suicide Squad received unfavorable reviews from both critics and viewers due to issues in plot development and character depth. As expressed by Ayer during an interview with Variety, he has been subjected to the negative publicity that followed its launch, feeling frustrated over the alteration of his creative vision for the film. In essence, Ayer felt like his passion project had been unfairly taken away from him, much like the famous Eric Andre meme where he asks “Why’d you do that?” when something is unexplained or unjustified.

The Ayer Cut Faces a Bleak Future

David Ayer's Suicide Squad Cut Could Still Happen

The launch of Zack Snyder’s Justice League showed that studios can yield to fan demands and sparked anticipation for the unveiling of the original Suicide Squad version. Regrettably, this wave of enthusiasm and persistent online movement (such as #Releasetheayercut) were insufficient to guarantee a release. Tragically, the favorably received James Gunn’s reimagining of the story, The Suicide Squad, along with the dissolution of the Snyderverse, have essentially rendered Ayer’s version obsolete. Although positive comments from Gunn, now a co-creative leader of the revamped DC Universe, offered a glimmer of hope, it ultimately proved fleeting. Now, even Ayer appears to accept that his film will not receive the fair treatment it deserves.

Warner Bros’ hesitation to unveil the Ayer cut might stem from valid apprehensions. The four-hour version of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, compared favorably to the theatrical Justice League, and the understanding that the initial release of the former may have altered the destiny of the now-defunct DCEU, has left Warner Bros vulnerable to ridicule. Releasing a director’s cut of a movie perceived as inferior by many could rekindle criticism of past errors and potentially harm upcoming films in the DCU. Additionally, with fans eager for more content like the shelved Batgirl, it seems prudent to avoid stirring demand for previously abandoned projects.

Creature Commandos and Superman Could Be the Key to the Ayer Cut

David Ayer's Suicide Squad Cut Could Still Happen

If David Ayer’s Suicide Squad is to have redemption, it might come from the introduction of Creature Commandos, marking the start of the DC Universe, followed by films like Superman. The freshness of the DCU, being unproven in the post-pandemic movie market and amidst the potential exhaustion of superhero stories, makes its early success crucial. A triumphant debut would restore confidence in DC and James Gunn’s concept of a shared universe, as well as quiet concerns about releasing the Ayer cut, which could potentially tarnish the new universe’s reputation. Furthermore, the release of the Ayer Cut could signify Warner Bros.’ commitment to moving past their previous universe’s issues. Unlike Zack Snyder’s Justice League that required $70 million for refinement, Ayer’s cut reportedly only needs minor visual effects tweaks to complete it. While there’s a possibility the Ayer cut might not meet expectations, seeing Ayer vindicated would likely suffice for many fans.

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2024-11-14 03:07