In a recent interview, David Ayer revealed that Suicide Squad underwent extensive testing against the studio version of the film. This process spanned from test screenings to post-production and led to changes in the final cut of the film.
David Ayer, the producer of Suicide Squad, has opened up about a recent test that was conducted to see if an earlier cut of the film would have been better.
The Suicide Squad, directed by James Gunn, has drawn parallels to David Ayer’s version of the supervillain team-up, which was released in 2016. Gunn’s version has been labeled with extreme caution by Warner Brothers, who have refused to call it a reboot or a sequel, just stating that it is — exactly like Darkseid. Despite the glowing reviews for Gunn’s version, Ayer’s supporters are trying to persuade Warner Brothers to broadcast the “Ayer Cut,” similar to what HBO Max did with Zack Snyder’s Justice League earlier this year.
Charles Roven, a long-time Hollywood executive, was a producer on both versions of the picture and has lately been in the headlines for his answers to inquiries about the legendary Ayer Cut. According to Roven, the studio chose the version of the film since it performed identically to Ayer’s.
“The funny thing was that when we tested the Ayer version, it wasn’t Lee. To be honest, I can’t recall how we got to that edited version, or who was editing that modified version. Someone else entered the room. There were also various editors in the studio version. Both versions were put to the test. They were all tested in the same way “THR recently spoke with Roven.
Because there was no clear “winner” after the testing, the studio and filmmakers were left debating whether portions of each film should be included in the final edit, according to the producer. Despite winning an Academy Award for makeup and hair, the final edit was widely criticized by critics and fans alike.
“We all sat in a room and tried to come up with what would be the best of both versions,” Roven explained. “David, the studio, and ourselves, meaning Rich and I and the heads of DC at the time — Jon Berg and Geoff Johns — we all sat in a room and tried to come up with what would be the best of both versions.” “Obviously, the film was a huge financial success. We decided to do a sequel since the audience enjoyed it so much. But it wasn’t really David’s vision, and it wasn’t quite the studio’s vision.”
Ayer issued a long statement just before the premiere of The Suicide Squad, criticizing the studio’s edit of the picture.
In a message to his fans, Ayer said, “I poured my life into Suicide Squad.” “I created something incredible.” My cut is a complex and emotional trip into the lives of some terrible individuals who have been spat on and abandoned (a theme that resonates in my soul). My film is not the studio cut. Reread what you just read. And my cut isn’t the 10-week director’s cut; it’s a completely developed Lee Smith edit built on John Gilroy’s amazing work. There isn’t a single radio tune in the whole film, thanks to Steven Price’s excellent soundtrack. It contains conventional character arcs, great performances, and a satisfying final act. Only a few individuals have seen it.”
The Suicide Squad is now available in cinemas and on HBO Max. Peacemaker is set to premiere in 2022 on HBO Max.
What were your thoughts on James Gunn’s adaptation of The Suicide Squad? Let us know what you think in the comments area or on Twitter by contacting our writer @AdamBarnhardt!
Related Tags
- suicide squad actors
- suicide squad 2 release date
- suicide squad characters
