'Suicide Squad' Star Opens Up About Intense Improvisation With Jared Leto’s Joker

Published 06/16/2026, 1:43 AM CDT

Credits: Clay Enos/Warner Bros.

Jared Leto’s portrayal of the Joker in Suicide Squad remains one of the most talked-about performances in the DC Extended Universe. Years after the film’s release, stories from the set continue to surface, offering fans a glimpse into the unpredictable atmosphere surrounding the Clown Prince of Crime.

Known for immersing himself deeply into character, Leto often generated headlines for his unconventional approach during production. Now, one of his co-stars has shared a memorable behind-the-scenes experience that highlights just how unexpected some moments became while filming.

Ike Barinholtz recalls an unexpected Suicide Squad on-set exchange with Jared Leto

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While reflecting on his time working on Suicide Squad, actor Ike Barinholtz recalled an improvised exchange with Jared Leto during the filming of a scene involving the Joker and prison officer Captain Hunter Griggs. Speaking to Seth Meyers on his podcast Funny You Should Ask with Ike Barinholtz, the titular host revealed how an unscripted moment took him by surprise while trying to stay in character. 

"I remember I had to do this scene with him, and he was actually like nice even though he was in character, but he was supposed to be menacing me in the scene. So I was acting scared, you know? I was like, 'Oh no, please…' And at some point, he's straddling me, and he's like, 'Uh oh, did someone p*** their pants?' And I’m a yes-ander, so I was, like, 'Yes.' That's a rough improv to say to someone. Like, 'Oh, someone s*** themselves.' It's not cool," Barinholtz explained.

The anecdote offers another glimpse into the intense and sometimes unpredictable energy that surrounded Jared Leto’s Joker performance throughout production. Barinholtz's recollection on the Funny You Should Ask with Ike Barinholtz also reinforces the reputation Leto earned during the film’s production for embracing spontaneous character choices that often blurred the line between scripted performance and improvisation.

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While stories from Suicide Squad continue to resurface years later, Jared Leto has since moved on to another iconic villain role in a major blockbuster franchise.

Amazon betted big on Jared Leto’s Skeletor transformation

Jared Leto’s reported payday placed him among the highest-profile names attached to Amazon MGM’s live-action Masters of the Universe reboot. According to Puck News, the actor earned more than $5 million to portray Skeletor, although Amazon MGM never publicly commented on the reported figure.

The reported salary reflected the studio’s ambitious plans for the project, which carried a budget of roughly $175 million. Leto’s version of Skeletor also required extensive CGI and prosthetic work, making the villain one of the film’s most technically demanding characters. The report further suggested that the compensation included promotional commitments tied to the movie’s release.

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With stories from his DC days continuing to resurface, Leto remained a headline-generating figure whose performances frequently sparked discussion among fans and industry observers alike. The renewed attention also underscored how his unconventional approach to character work continued to be a topic of conversation years after Suicide Squad first hit theaters.

Jared Leto Net Worth in 2026: Inside the Drastic Fall of a Near-Billion-Dollar Fortune of the Oscar-Winning Star

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What did you think about Ike Barinholtz’s behind-the-scenes story involving Jared Leto’s Joker? Let us know in the comments.

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Karishma Dasgupta

480 articles

Karishma is an entertainment journalist at Netflix Junkie. She enjoys digging deep into stories and bringing clarity to the often fast-moving world of entertainment. She holds a double Master’s degree in Fashion Business Management and Digital Marketing.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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