What a difference a year makes. Originally, like most fans, I felt that David Ayer‘s cut of the Suicide Squad deserved to see the light of day. The story is as old as time itself as the Fury writer hasn’t been quiet about how the studio massively interfered with his project. It’s evident in the film itself, mainly with the odd music choices that don’t mesh well with the overall tone of the film.
However, the topic of a David Ayer cut has surfaced again thanks to the director confirming on X that James Gunn has promised to release one in the future, “All I know is my unseen film plays much better than the studio release. The interest in my cut being shown seems real and organic. And Gunn told me it would have its time to be shared. He deserves to launch his DC universe without more drama about old projects. In a way, I’m chained to this thing. I’m riding a tiger here and navigating this situation the best I can. Life is a very strange journey.”
According to Ayer, it sounds like we’re getting a director’s cut of the Suicide Squad. This idea was intriguing several years ago. However, with the new DC universe set to launch soon, the Suicide Squad should be left in a vault.
Suicide Squad Was Caught In The Crossfire
The DCEU is a complete mess. Ignoring all of the outside drama that’s damaging the brand, it’s easy to dismiss the Zack Snyder era as a disappointment. The quality of films has been wildly uneven. More importantly, the direction has greatly confused audiences across the board. Warner Brothers panicked following the reception of Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and their decision to tinker with Snyder’s original vision has come back to haunt them.
Suicide Squad was one of those early films that was caught in the crossfire. It was supposed to be a dark and grim feature. However, it turned into this generic “save the world” film that cranked out the pop tunes in every other scene. Suicide Squad was a disappointment. It should’ve been dark and gritty. Or it could’ve been the DCEU’s answer to Deadpool.
There’s no telling how the original vision of David Ayer’s script would’ve turned. The filmmaker has made gems like End of Watch and Training Day (as a writer) so he’s capable of making a strong feature.
Warner Brothers Desperately Needs To Get Away From Their Past
But what’s done is done. James Gunn and Peter Safran confirmed the launch of a new universe back in January and they should keep moving forward from here. It’s highly doubtful anyone will complain if the Ayer cut is released, but what’s the purpose beyond satisfying a few fans who would desperately want to see this film?
Will the Ayer cut play into the future of the DC universe? Characters like Harley Quinn have carried forward following that first film, but DC needs to put the nail in the coffin of what Zack Snyder started. Sure, Gunn’s new universe isn’t a full reboot. But his first phase is veering away from what Snyder did. There’s no purpose in continuing to tease audiences with something that has no meaning beyond a single moment.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League was great! However, that film didn’t truly serve a purpose in expanding the DCEU. It doesn’t help that The Suicide Squad already exists. Unless Ayer’s cut – most notably Jared Leto‘s Joker – has true meaning to the new universe, the film should be left in the vault for good.
Give David Ayer The Authority
David Ayer would be perfect for The Authority. These characters are a ban of anti-heroes in the vein of The Boys, so it’s a world right up Ayer’s alley. Instead of relishing in the past, Gunn should allow Ayer to prove that he can make an excellent superhero film by allowing him to create something fresh and original with The Authority.
Fans have made it clear that they’re over the current DCEU thanks to Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Black Adam, and The Flash bombing at the box office. Bringing back Ayer’s Suicide Squad only reminds fans of the worst part of the DCEU. Even worse, it could get fans excited for a product that will never have any follow-up. Either way, Gunn should be looking to the future, not banking on the past.
Follow Us
