David Ayer Disowns Suicide Squad’s Theatrical Cut In a New Open Letter

With one week to go until its premiere, The Suicide Squad continues to rack up one glowing review after another. Amid praise for the film’s action and humor, several critics have pointed out that James Gunn was clearly given more creative freedom on the movie than David Ayer had while making his original Suicide Squad in 2016. Ayer has confirmed this to be true on multiple occasions. And although Ayer has expressed a willingness to release a director’s cut, Warner Bros. has effectively ruled out any such plans. Now, Ayer is once again addressing the behind-the-scenes turmoil from his film.

Ayer revisited his situation in a new open letter posted to his Twitter account. He once again used the opportunity to distance himself from the theatrical version of the film. But more surprisingly, he also detailed his rough upbringing on the streets of L.A., which he apparently channeled into some of his characters.

“I put my life into Suicide Squad,” wrote Ayer. “I made something amazing. My cut is [an] intricate and emotional journey with some bad people who are s**t on and discarded (a theme that resonates in my soul). The studio cut is not my movie. Read that again. And my cut is not the 10 week director’s cut – it’s a fully mature edit by Lee Smith standing on the incredible work by John Gilroy. It’s all Steven Price’s brilliant score, with not a single radio song in the whole thing. It has traditional character arcs, amazing performances, a solid third-act resolution. A handful of people have seen it.”

RELATED: David Ayer Hasn’t Given Up on a Suicide Squad Director’s Cut

This is easily the longest statement that Ayer has issued on the subject. However, it also sounds like it’s going to be the last (“I never told my side of the story and never will…I’m old school like that”). And despite his frustrations with how Suicide Squad turned out, Ayer doesn’t harbor any ill will towards Gunn or Warner Bros. In fact, he sounds genuinely excited by what the future holds.

“I’m so proud of James and excited for the success that’s coming,” added Ayer. “I support WB and am thrilled the franchise is getting the legs it needs. I’m rooting for everyone, the cast, the crew. Every movie is a miracle. And James’ brilliant work will be the miracles of miracles. I appreciate your patience. I will no longer speak publicly on this matter.”

Gunn, for the record, responded to Ayer with some kind words of his own:

What do you make of Ayer’s latest statement? Would you still like to see his cut of Suicide Squad? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!

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