David Ayer has been a vocal advocate for the release of his director’s cut of Suicide Squad, a version he claims reflects his original vision for the 2016 film. Ayer has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the theatrical release, which was significantly altered during post-production. According to Ayer, the film was reshaped by studio decisions, leading to a product that didn’t align with his artistic intentions. He describes his cut not as a mere “director’s cut” but as a “mature” edit, offering a version that includes traditional character arcs, a complete third act, and a more cohesive tone—elements that were diminished or lost in the final studio version.
Ayer’s push for his version of Suicide Squad gained traction after the success of Zack Snyder’s Justice League cut in 2021, which raised awareness about filmmaker-driven versions of films. Although there has been significant fan support, Ayer recently acknowledged that he had been “chained” to this project and that it might not be the right time for his version to see the light of day. However, he remains optimistic, citing that James Gunn, the current head of DC Studios, has assured him that his cut will eventually be shared, though he emphasized that Gunn’s priority was to focus on his own vision for the DC universe
