Suicide Squad’s David Ayer Explains How His Version Is ‘Entirely Different’ Than Theatrical Cut

Director David Ayer says his version of 2016’s Suicide Squad is an “entirely different film” than the theatrically released one.

Suicide Squad was released in United States theaters in August 2016. While it made approximately $749.2 million at the global box office, it was largely met with mixed and negative reviews from critics and fans alike.

It did, however, win an Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 89th Academy Awards.

Suicide Squad notably had a troubled post-production, as Ayer has been vocal about how the theatrical cut of the film was not was he envisioned. There has since been an online #ReleaseTheAyerCut movement that calls for Warner Bros. to release Ayer’s version of the movie, though Warner Bros. has not publicly announced any plans to do so at this time.

What did David Ayer say about his version of Suicide Squad?

On the film’s eighth anniversary, Ayer posted an image on X that once again asked Warner Bros. to release his cut of the DC movie. Responding to a comment about the post, Ayer detailed how his version of Suicide Squad was different than the one that moviegoers saw in 2016.

“It’s a linear story,” Ayer wrote . “Character development throughout the first arc. Harley has a real story arc. As does Deadshot. It’s moody and bold and dramatic and heartfelt. Totally different experience. It plays like an entirely different film.”

Ayer has said in the past that he was ready to move on from Suicide Squad. When asked why he’s bringing up the subject again, the director wrote on X , “Harder than quitting smoking. Must be some magic there to keep pulling me back.”

He added in another post , “And it’s not just me. There were hundred of people that labored on the film. Artists. Actors. Trades people. There is an immense desire not just from them but the fan base to see the film that was actually made.”

Suicide Squad stars Will Smith as Deadshot, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Jared Leto as the Joker, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, Karen Fukuhara as Katana, Jay Hernandez as El Diablo, and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc.

The theatrically released version of the movie is now streaming on Max.