Behind-The-Scenes Of 'Suicide Squad' Shows How Intense Jared Leto's Joker Was

When Jared Leto accepts a lead role in a big blockbuster film, he's going to do whatever it takes to ensure he portrays his movie character as authentically as possible -- even if it means not being himself for an extended period of time.

That much was made clear when Jared Leto accepted the role of the Joker in "Suicide Squad."

In a new clip released by Warner Bros., "Suicide Squad" director David Ayer opens up about how he "kinda had to say goodbye to Jared" during filming.

Why? Well, simply because Leto was so immersed in the Joker character that he had to completely lose himself (and his mind) to perfect his role.

Talk about dedication! That's the epitome of perfecting your craft. In the new clip, which was originally shared on Collider, Ayers reveals,

So during the process of figuring out the Joker and helping Jared create that character, I kinda had to say goodbye to Jared. There was a point when he went away and was replaced slowly and surely by the Joker.

So, how exactly did Leto transform into his role? It was all about the little things.

From giving strange gifts to his fellow cast members to walking around with green hair and being creepy even off the set, the 44-year-old actor did whatever he felt he needed to do to make the transition.

Ayers continued,

It was a fascinating process to watch. There was this really nice guy, a good guy with a lot of depth to him, he's a very thoughtful person… the Joker is not someone you'd say is a really good guy.

Ayers wasn't the only one to open up about the fascinating transformation from Leto to the Joker.

Leto himself opened up about how important it was for him to fully personify the Joker as best and as authentically as he could while also leaving room in the Joker's life story for new things about the villain to be uncovered.

Jared Leto said,

This role has always been interpreted so beautifully, but then there's the other side: What else can you uncover? What other parts of this story or this life, what can you do that hasn't been done? That side of me that likes exploration, that likes adventure, that likes to push the envelope, that was set on fire immediately. I knew that I was going to have to dive really deep and go to a place that I've never gone before.

I think it's safe to say he dove pretty deep into his character!

Check out the clip above for a closer look.

Citations: 'Suicide Squad' Behind The Scenes Video Shows Jared Leto Going Method, Bless His Heart (Uproxx)