Blab Entertainment
Ike Barinholtz Reflects on Jared Letos Rough Joker Improvisation in 2016 Suicide Squad
Ike Barinholtz, who played Captain Hunter Griggs in the 2016 DC Extended Universe film Suicide Squad, recently recounted a moment of on‑set improvisation involving Jared Leto’s Joker. The incident, which took place during a scene in which Griggs is forced to reveal Harley Quinn’s location, was described by Barinholtz as uncomfortable and unplanned.
Barinholtz’s character is an officer at Belle Reve, the prison that houses Task Force X. In the film, Griggs is coerced by the Joker into handing over a phone that leads to Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie. The confrontation occurs in a tense, claustrophobic setting where the Joker’s menacing presence is intended to dominate the scene.
During a discussion on the podcast Funny You Should Ask, Barinholtz explained that Leto, while in character, asked him a question that he described as “rough improv.” According to Barinholtz, Leto’s Joker straddled him and asked, “Did someone piss their pants?” The actor noted that the line was unexpected and made him uncomfortable, as it deviated from the scripted dialogue and the intended menace of the scene.
The Joker’s portrayal in Suicide Squad has been noted for its departure from previous depictions of the character. Leto’s performance was brief, limited to a single scene, and was later expanded in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. In the original film, the Joker’s interaction with Griggs is brief and does not show any physical violence, but the improvised line suggests a more aggressive, personal threat.
Suicide Squad premiered in New York City on August 1, 2016, and was released in the United States on August 5 by Warner Bros. Pictures. The 123‑minute film was directed by David Ayer and written by Ayer, with additional material written during reshoots by Geoff Johns. The production budget was $175 million, and the film earned $749 million worldwide, making it the tenth‑highest‑grossing film of 2016. Critical reception was largely negative, with reviewers citing plot holes and uneven execution, though the film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
Barinholtz’s work in Suicide Squad is his only appearance in the DC Extended Universe. He has since voiced Lex Luthor in The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part and Harvey Dent/Two‑Face in Batman: The Audio Adventures. His recent projects include the Apple TV+ series The Studio, where he reprises Sal Saperstein, and the Netflix series Running Point, which is returning for a third season.
Jared Leto, who was born December 26, 1971, is known for his method acting and has appeared in several high‑profile films, including Blade Runner 2049, The Little Things, and House of Gucci. In addition to Suicide Squad, Leto currently portrays Skeletor in the Masters of the Universe franchise.
The anecdote from Barinholtz highlights the unpredictable nature of on‑set improvisation in large‑budget superhero films. While the incident did not affect the final cut of Suicide Squad, it provides insight into the working relationship between actors and the challenges of maintaining character integrity during filming. As Barinholtz continues to work on television and streaming projects, and Leto expands his filmography, the legacy of Suicide Squad remains a point of reference for discussions about creative control and actor collaboration in contemporary cinema.
Barinholtz’s character is an officer at Belle Reve, the prison that houses Task Force X. In the film, Griggs is coerced by the Joker into handing over a phone that leads to Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie. The confrontation occurs in a tense, claustrophobic setting where the Joker’s menacing presence is intended to dominate the scene.
During a discussion on the podcast Funny You Should Ask, Barinholtz explained that Leto, while in character, asked him a question that he described as “rough improv.” According to Barinholtz, Leto’s Joker straddled him and asked, “Did someone piss their pants?” The actor noted that the line was unexpected and made him uncomfortable, as it deviated from the scripted dialogue and the intended menace of the scene.
The Joker’s portrayal in Suicide Squad has been noted for its departure from previous depictions of the character. Leto’s performance was brief, limited to a single scene, and was later expanded in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. In the original film, the Joker’s interaction with Griggs is brief and does not show any physical violence, but the improvised line suggests a more aggressive, personal threat.
Suicide Squad premiered in New York City on August 1, 2016, and was released in the United States on August 5 by Warner Bros. Pictures. The 123‑minute film was directed by David Ayer and written by Ayer, with additional material written during reshoots by Geoff Johns. The production budget was $175 million, and the film earned $749 million worldwide, making it the tenth‑highest‑grossing film of 2016. Critical reception was largely negative, with reviewers citing plot holes and uneven execution, though the film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
Barinholtz’s work in Suicide Squad is his only appearance in the DC Extended Universe. He has since voiced Lex Luthor in The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part and Harvey Dent/Two‑Face in Batman: The Audio Adventures. His recent projects include the Apple TV+ series The Studio, where he reprises Sal Saperstein, and the Netflix series Running Point, which is returning for a third season.
Jared Leto, who was born December 26, 1971, is known for his method acting and has appeared in several high‑profile films, including Blade Runner 2049, The Little Things, and House of Gucci. In addition to Suicide Squad, Leto currently portrays Skeletor in the Masters of the Universe franchise.
The anecdote from Barinholtz highlights the unpredictable nature of on‑set improvisation in large‑budget superhero films. While the incident did not affect the final cut of Suicide Squad, it provides insight into the working relationship between actors and the challenges of maintaining character integrity during filming. As Barinholtz continues to work on television and streaming projects, and Leto expands his filmography, the legacy of Suicide Squad remains a point of reference for discussions about creative control and actor collaboration in contemporary cinema.
