David Ayer praises James Gunn's work; disowns 'studio cut' of his original Suicide Squad

While offering support to Gunn's presumably unadulterated and faithful adaptation of the comic book, Ayer slammed his own 'studio cut' version
David Ayer praises James Gunn's work; disowns 'studio cut' of his original Suicide Squad

James Gunn's Suicide Squad is getting showered with largely positive early reviews from various corners. However, the most heartwarming reaction came from the original Suicide Squad director, David Ayer. While offering support to Gunn's presumably unadulterated and faithful adaptation of the comic book, Ayer slammed his own 'studio cut' version.

Responding to a film critic's tweet that Ayer should "abandon the idea" of a director's cut, the End of Watch filmmaker expressed, in a three-page statement, his displeasure over how his version of Suicide Squad turned out after the studio meddled with his original vision. In a Twitter letter titled My Turn, Ayer briefly recounted his difficult life journey before landing his first big break scripting Training Day. "I put my life into Suicide Squad," he wrote. "I made something amazing - My cut is an intricate and emotional journey with some 'bad people' who are s*** on and discarded (a theme that resonates in my soul). The studio cut is not my movie. Read that again."

Elaborating further, Ayer added that his 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. If someone says they have seen it, they haven't."

However, Ayer concluded his note on a positive note, offering support for Gunn and Warner Bros. "I'm so proud of James and excited for the success that's coming. 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."

Described as both a sequel and a relaunch of sorts, The Suicide Squad will open in theatres on August 5. In addition to returning cast members Margot Robbie, Viola Davis and Joel Kinnaman, the new film features Idris Elba, John Cena, and Peter Capaldi in lead roles.

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