But ever since the first press shot of the new Joker's face and upper body was released in the film's first trailer, fans have been worried about the direction Leto might take the character.
Now that his full costume has been revealed, some say they're excited to see what Leto makes of the character, others are already worried their favourite villain has been made to look ridiculous.
Covered in tattoos with silver grills on his teeth, Leto's Joker has drawn criticism from some, who think the "nu-metal" version of the classic character is trying too hard to be edgy.
Pop culture site Looper gave its take on Leto's version of the villain, listing "everything that's wrong with Jared Leto's Joker".
"As a whole, the look of this new Joker is, in a word, insane. But not 'insane' in terms of 'the Joker is crazy,' but rather 'insane' in terms of how overstuffed the design seems to be," the website wrote.
"Almost every inch of this guy is offering some kind of message, and none of them are particularly interesting (or necessary). Each bit and piece of this Joker seems intent on telling anyone looking at him, 'I'm the Joker!' over and over and over again."
Leto himself also drew criticism, with some saying his method acting for the character sounded insufferable.
"According to a new interview with Empire accompanying his cover photo, Leto basically refused to break character during the shoot," said Alex McCown of the AV Club.
"Actor Jim Parrack, who plays Joker henchman Johnny Frost, got the worst of it, as Leto would randomly call him during the day demanding he spray paint some roses black or fill a backpack with nine inch nails.
"Beyond that, Leto goes on to say some very Leto-like things about playing the iconic character. For instance, Jared Leto now knows what it would feel like to give birth through his penis, only he calls it his 'prick hole,' because Jared Leto is gross."
The Dallas Buyers Club star went to extreme measures to play the comic book psychopath and did not break character during down time during filming.
He even sent creepy gifts to his co-stars including a live rat to Margot Robbie and bullets to Will Smith, and he also would call Jim Parrack, who plays his henchman Jonny Frost, and give him orders to spray paint roses black and to fill a backpack with nails.
His co-star Will previously revealed he had never met the real Jared as the actor portrayed The Joker the whole time.
"We worked together for six months and we've never exchanged a word outside of 'Action' and 'Cut', Smith told Beats 1. "We've never said, 'Hello'. (I'm) looking forward to meeting him. I've only ever spoken to him as (my character) Deadshot, and him as The Joker. I literally have not met him yet. So, the first time I see him will be, 'Hey, Jared, what's up? How you doing? Nice to meet you'. He was all in on The Joker."
Late actor Heath Ledger portrayed The Joker on the big screen in The Dark Knight in 2008 and he also went to extremes to get into character.
The film, his last completed role, was released after his death in January, 2008 from an accidental overdose of prescription medication. He was 28.
Suicide Squad, directed by David Ayer, is due to be released in August next year.
nzherald.co.nz
