David Ayer Reveals His Original, Darker ‘Suicide Squad’ Cut Was Never Test-Screened

As a seasoned gamer and film enthusiast who has been following the DCEU saga for years, I can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu when it comes to the ongoing debacle surrounding David Ayer‘s original cut of “Suicide Squad.

In the year 2016, the film titled “Suicide Squad” hit the screens, garnering a mix of opinions from both critics and viewers alike. While some were drawn to the fascinating characters and high-octane action scenes, others found the storyline lackluster and the movie as a whole somewhat disorganized.

The movie faced criticism for its inconsistent mood, rhythm, and inopportune humor. Despite being one of the lowest-rated DC Extended Universe films, it was a box office success, and some fans have advocated for the distribution of Ayer’s original edit. Many think the unfavorable response was due to problems during post-production, but the real story is more intricate.

David Ayer shared on X that the grittier version of Suicide Squad, which he originally intended, wasn’t tested before alterations were done at the last minute, leading to what he described as “chaos” or “madness”.

Actually, quite the opposite. What was stated is not accurate. Initially, I created a dramatic piece. However, the studio demanded a comedic version instead, leading to chaos. Unfortunately, my edited version was neither tested nor shown to an audience.

Actually, quite the opposite happened. The studio initially desired a comedy, but what I delivered was a drama. Chaos followed as they were not expecting it. Regrettably, my version was never shown to a test audience or screened.

— David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) November 29, 2024

In 2021, James Gunn unveiled a new take on The Suicide Squad, revitalizing the series with a unique twist. His goal was to infuse the movie with his distinct flair and wit, as well as granting more autonomy to the characters. This creative liberty enabled him to steer the narrative towards an entertaining, unconventional path.

Even though no action has been taken so far, supporters persistently call for the unveiling of what’s known as the “Ayer Cut,” much like how Snyder’s Justice League cut was well-received. Back in 2020, Ayer himself mentioned that his version could be easily released, but to date, no progress has been made on it.

Ayer’s remarks make it clear that the difficulties in post-production for “Suicide Squad” were largely a response to his initial cut not being well received. In a 2023 podcast, he also revealed that “Batman v Superman” was never test-screened, and the negative feedback from that film led to studio meddling in “Suicide Squad”.

Instead of keeping the grim and somber vibe in “Suicide Squad”, the studio decided to move towards a more humorous tone, aiming to revive the franchise after its initial reception. This indicates that the original vision by Ayer may not have been given enough thought.

It’s also another example of how studio interference hurt the DCEU.

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2024-11-30 13:13