Joker

*Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)* (drawing; flashbacks)
*Zack Snyder's Justice League*
*The Suicide Squad* (indirectly mentioned)

### Comic(s)

*Suicide Blonde*
*Secret Files of the Suicide Squad*

### Book(s)

*Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – Cross Fire* (mentioned indirectly)
*Time Out Shortlist Gotham and Metropolis* (mentioned)
*Suicide Squad: The Official Movie Novelization*
*Suicide Squad: Behind the Scenes with the Worst Heroes Ever*
*Shazam! Freddy's Guide to Super Hero-ing* (drawing)

### Game(s)

*Suicide Squad: Special Ops* (picture only)

## Actor(s)

### Portrayed by

Jared Leto
Johnny Goth (body double; *Birds of Prey*)

> I am not someone who is loved. I'm an idea. A state of mind. I execute my will according to my plan. And you, Doctor... are not part of my plan.
>
> Joker to Harleen Quinzel, Suicide Squad

The **Joker** is an infamously extreme and formidable psychopathic crime lord from Gotham City, being at the very top of the city's criminal underworld, greatly feared by all other crime bosses and criminals, including his long time rival Roman Sionis.

Though he is devoid of empathy or pity for anybody taking part in his wicked schemes either by intimidation or fraud, the Joker used to adore his on-and-off girlfriend and partner-in-crime Harley Quinn, doing his utmost to rescue her from Task Force X and the clutches of Amanda Waller, with eventual success. For unknown reasons, he later broke up with Harley, leaving her on her own and a target of many of his enemies.

The Joker is also the longtime archenemy of Batman, whom he considers to be his own favorite "joke" and the murderer of the latter's protege, Robin, alongside Harley Quinn.

## Biography

### Clown Prince of Crime

#### Chaotic beginning

> Most of the world doesn't share your opinion, Mr. Wayne."
>  "Maybe it's the Gotham City in me. We have a bad history with freaks dressed like clowns.
>
> Bruce Wayne to Clark Kent, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Nothing, including his real name, is known about the Joker's past before the beginning of his supervillain career, though it can be surmised that he was most likely born before Batman, in 1971, and grew up somewhere around Gotham City, New Jersey.

It is known, however, that at one point, he fell into a boiling vat of toxic waste during a botched robbery at ACE Chemicals, permanently bleaching his skin chalk-white, turning his hair bright green and staining his lips bright red. Seeing this disfigurement, the combination of chemical exposure and brain damage via oxygen deprivation drove him completely insane, into psychopathy. Thus was born the bombastic, psychopathic, fearsome, and murderous man who would shortly thereafter be nicknamed "The Joker".

Batman would come into conflict with the Joker on numerous occasions, leading him to become the vigilante's greatest enemy. Upon repeated interactions, the Joker developed a sick and twisted love for the Batman, and their games together. Eventually, Batman would defeat and apprehend him, subsequently having the Joker imprisoned in Arkham Asylum for his numerous crimes.

#### Arkham and breakout

 File:Harley Quinn sits opposite the Joker.png

> I did everything you said. I helped you!"
> "Uh, you helped me?!? By erasing my mind?!? What few faded memories I had! No. You left me in a black hole of rage and confusion. Is that the medicine you practice, Doctor Quinzel?
>
> Harleen Quinzel and Joker, Suicide Squad

In Arkham Asylum, Joker would first meet a psychiatric intern Dr. Harleen Quinzel when he was assigned as her patient, whom he psychologically sabotaged and manipulated. She gradually fell in love with him, and the Joker got Harleen to do him favors, which was giving him first a stuffed kitten, and then a machine gun. Shortly thereafter, Joker's bizarrely dressed goons (lead by Jonny Frost) broke into Arkham Asylum, and successfully aided their boss in escaping, tying Harleen down in the process. Before leaving, however, Joker sadistically subjected Harleen to shock therapy (as a retaliation for her shock therapy leaving him "in a black hole of rage and confusion"), fracturing her psyche and causing intense psychological trauma. Thus resulting in her severe mental instability.

#### Chemical wedding

 File:The Chemical Wedding.jpg

> Do not say this oath thoughtlessly. Desire becomes surrender, surrender becomes power.
>
> Joker to Harleen Quinzel, Suicide Squad

Harleen later chased him down on a motorcycle, and managed to get Joker to stop his Smiley Car. She nearly killed him with a gun, even shooting a man who approached them. Joker took the gun and taunted her. Harleen claimed to love him, but Joker responds by saying that he is not someone who is loved, but rather "an idea, a state of mind, who executes [his] will according to [his] plan," with Harleen not being part of his plan. When Harleen still wanted to come with him, Joker took her to ACE Chemicals, where he had originally had his accident. While there, Harleen was told to say an oath and was asked if she would die for him. When she told him she would, he decided to die was too easy and asked her if she would live for him instead. She responded in the affirmative and allowed herself to fall into the vat of chemicals. Joker turned to walk away, leaving her to die, but was conflicted, changing his mind and jumping in after her, he pulled her up to the vat's surface. Joker then kissed her, and Harleen awakened. They kissed again and the Joker broke down into maniacal laughter.

 File:King and Queen of Gotham.jpg
From that point on, Harleen dubbed herself "Harley Quinn" (donning a red-and-black Harlequin costume), and the duo of psychopathic lovers would go on many crime sprees in Gotham City together, which would often result in the duo coming into conflict with Batman, becoming (as Amanda Waller would later claim) the criminal King and Queen of the city.

#### Harley Quinn and the Joker

After the Chemical Wedding, the reign of Harley Quinn grew in Gotham City. Joker taking all of her credit for the robberies she had managed to commit. At some point in time, Harley dared Joker to tattoo a smiley face onto the face of a man named Happy. Joker's relationship with Harley gave her immunity over criminals and low-lives of Gotham considering the fear of Joker, including the likes of crime boss Black Mask.

#### Murder of Robin

At some point before the Black Zero Event, the Joker managed to kill Batman's crime-fighting partner Robin. In an act of vengeance, Batman smashed Joker's teeth in, permanently damaging his smile. Batman locked him away in Arkham Asylum, but Joker eventually escaped once again and got his teeth replaced with metallic grills. To mark his change at the hands of Batman's fury, Joker got a "Damaged" tattooed on his forehead, permanently reminding both himself and Batman of what had occurred between them. In hopes of driving his adversary further insane, Joker spray-painted "HAHAHA JOKE'S ON YOU BATMAN" in yellow on the Robin suit. A devastated Batman would later place the damaged and vandalized suit in an exhibit in the Batcave.

#### Murdering Monster T

 File:Monster T meets with the Joker and Harley Quinn.jpg

> Ha-ha-ha. I love this guy, he's sooooo intense!"
> "You're a lucky man, got a bad bitch."
>  "Oh that she is. The fire in my loins, the itch in my crotch! The one, the only, the INFAMOUS... HARLEY QUINN!
>
> Joker to Monster T after he made remarks about Harley Quinn., Suicide Squad

In 2014, a year after the Black Zero Event, a lavish strip club owned by the Joker was visited by crime boss Monster T, whom Joker greeted, though he refused to shake his hand (as per usual, as Joker's right-hand man Jonny Frost revealed). Monster T, however, welcomed his fellow crime boss ally back, congratulating Joker on his escape. However, Monster T then took notice of the exceptionally beautiful Harley Quinn, and promptly made distasteful remarks about her, proceeding to stare with lustful desire, an act that greatly displeased the Joker. In response he called Harley over, intimidating Monster T, and making him somewhat uncomfortable by suggesting he sleep with Harley, as well as calling him a "handsome hunka hunka". Monster T, having picked up on Joker's displeasure, attempted to assure him that Harley was his girl and that he wanted "no beef". The Joker, however, was unimpressed with the man, and promptly shot Monster T in the head.

 File:Harley Quinn watches as the Joker drives.jpg
Later that night, the Joker and Harley were driving down a street in Gotham, in the Smiley Car both maniacally laughing, while Batman pursued them in the Batmobile. Batman then put the Batmobile in auto-drive and jumped onto the roof of Joker's car. Joker trying to shake Batman off took a sharp turn, and despite Harley's protests that she "can't swim", drove the car into a river, forcing Batman to grapple off. Batman then put on a breathing mask and dove down into the river to arrest the two criminals. When he got to the car underwater, the Joker was gone and Harley was unconscious. Harley then attempted to fight off Batman with a knife before being knocked out by the latter. Batman then brought her to the Batmobile and drove her to prison.

### Mad love

#### Hunting for Harley Quinn

 File:Joker surrounded by a circle of weapons.jpg

> It's complex. This is not just her. Everybody's disappearing. There's this new law where if you're a bad enough bad guy, they stamp terrorist on your jacket and send you to this swamp in Louisiana.
>
> Jonny Frost to the Joker, Suicide Squad

Eventually in 2016, after becoming increasingly bored and unhappy without Batman, who left Gotham City to begin establishing the Justice League, and, most of all, his beloved Harley Quinn, Joker, who by this point had taken to drawing an accented black smile around his mouth to keep up appearances, began deploying his numerous goons to track down her location. Eventually, Jonny Frost returned and revealed that she is imprisoned in Belle Reve supermax prison. Exuberant at the news, Joker ordered Frost to get his car, and proceeded to lie down on the floor of his chambers, amidst his collection of numerous bladed and firearm weaponry, roaring with gleeful psychopathic laughter (and washed off the black line shortly thereafter).

#### Interrogating Griggs

 File:The Joker holds Griggs' head.jpg

> Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. All that chit-chat's gonna get ya hurt.
>
> The Joker to Griggs, Suicide Squad

To learn more details, Joker again deployed Jonny Frost, with the latter finding one of the Belle Reve guards, Captain Hunter Griggs, in a nightclub, and subsequently subduing him. Griggs was brought before Joker's goons, and while he remained relatively unfazed, he showed visible fear when the Joker himself entered. Joker circled Griggs, sadistically smiling at the terrified guard (in gleeful anticipation of the ruthless torture he was about to unleash upon him), implying Griggs kiss his ring, then straddling the man and suggesting he could "tell Griggs meant it." He told Griggs he was "Going to be Joker's friend.", before gleefully claiming that he couldn't wait to "show Griggs his toys."

Ultimately, Captain Griggs' torturous interrogation proves effective, as he revealed to Joker Amanda Waller's plan to use Harley Quinn as a member of the Suicide Squad (with an intended mission in Midway City), as well as the implantation of an ARGUS nano-bomb into Harley, as an emergency contingency. Griggs ultimately agreed to lead the Joker into the facility where ARGUS' nano-bombs are created. The Joker ultimately also forced him to return to Belle Reve and deliver a purple phone to Harley (through which he could communicate with her, via SMS) before she was deployed on the Squad's mission.

#### Kidnapping Van Criss

 File:Joker-could-be-working-with-this-flash-villain-in-suicide-squad-hints-jared-leto-did-t-940252.jpg

> Ooh, this looks neat!
>
> The Joker to Van Criss, before forcibly implanting a nano-bomb in his neck., Suicide Squad

While Joker, Jonny Frost, and some of his other goons drove towards the ARGUS facility, he had another faction of goons simultaneously kidnap the wife of Dr. Van Criss, the scientist that created the nano-bombs.

When the security guard was unwilling to let in the truck carrying Joker and his goons in, the goon driving the truck seemingly acquiesced, and gave the guard a package to deliver - claiming that it was a gift basket for Dr. Van Criss. However, the package turned out to be a concealed bomb, which promptly killed the guard, allowing Joker and his goons to climb out of the truck and enter.

Dr. Van Criss initially hid behind a wall of bulletproof glass, but much to his dismay and horror, Joker promptly showed Van Criss a live feed of the latter's kidnapped wife. He then unlocked the door and let Joker's gang in, agreeing to accompany them and to personally disable Harley Quinn's nano-bomb, allowing the Joker to rescue his girlfriend. In an act of sadism, Joker picked up the nearest bit of equipment, a nano-bomb implementation gun, and shot it into Van Criss' neck.

Satisfied with his progress, Joker sends Harley an SMS, letting her know that he's close.

#### Reuniting with Harley Quinn

 File:Joker-Suicide-Squad-Black-Tuxedo-Costume.jpg

> Oh, you know I'd do anything for you... By the way, I've got some grape soda on ice and a bearskin rug waiting.
>
> Joker greets Harley for the first time since she was incarcerated., Suicide Squad

Later, the welcoming helicopter arriving at the ARGUS headquarters (for extracting Amanda Waller from the hands of Enchantress) was revealed to have been hijacked by the Joker, Jonny Frost, and his goons, and they opened fire over the Suicide Squad, while Dr. Van Criss simultaneously disabled Harley Quinn's bomb, allowing her to climb aboard the chopper (after informing her of this by SMS).

The reunited Joker and Harley Quinn happily kissed and embraced, with Harley delighted that her boyfriend dressed up for the occasion. Joker lets Harley know that he'd do anything for her, and claims to have grape soda on ice and a bearskin rug waiting for them. However, their reunion is cut short, as Joker's helicopter is shot down by Waller's agents. While Harley manages to jump out and save herself just in time, the Joker is presumed dead (along with Frost, Van Criss, and the rest on board) in the explosion of the aircraft, much to Harley's devastation.

Unknown to Harley however, the Joker had managed to jump from the helicopter just in time. As he recovered from the encounter, he found humor at the sight of burning cash from a nearby bank. He resolved once more to find Harley, having long ago come to peace with the idea that she would probably be the death of him, and that he would be likely the one to strangle the life out of her.

When Harley Quinn's mind was telepathically assaulted by Enchantress, the latter implanted a vision of Harley being married to Joker, with both of them being without their dyed hair, bleached skin or tattoos, the two of them having two baby kids (a boy and a girl), and living a happy "normal" life in a suburban home. However, with the help of the more mentally resistant El Diablo, Harley was able to snap out of it and continue her attack against the evil army.

#### Rescuing Harley

 File:Joker frees Harley.jpg

> Let's go home.
>
> The Joker to Harley Quinn, Suicide Squad

After the Suicide Squad had managed to defeat and kill Enchantress, her brother Incubus, and her monstrous army, they were all re-imprisoned in Belle Reve, albeit with their sentences shortened by 10 years and their cells rendered more comfortable in gratitude (with Harley notably gaining an espresso coffee machine).

All of a sudden, the Joker, now revealed to be alive and unscathed, and his goons (this time disguised as a SWAT team, with Joker's uniform bearing his name on the chest) broke into the prison, and his goons quickly broke through the lock on Harley's cage with a buzz saw. Joker then removes his mask to reveal himself and reunites with an overjoyed Harley. The reunited lovers finally embraced before fleeing from the prison together, heading "home" (most likely meaning Gotham City).

### Breakup

Sometime after returning home, the Joker broke up with Harley, using one of his henchmen to throw Harley out into the streets. This caused Quinn to desire shedding her former image and look for "emancipation." At first, she did not reveal the breakup publicly and those few that she did tell refused to believe her, including crime boss Roman Sionis, who frequently made her feel welcome at his nightclub in the misplaced hope of brokering a deal with the Clown Prince of Crime. She then decided to go public in a big way by using a truck to ram Ace Chemicals, resulting in a massive explosion.

After the word had gotten out that Harley and Joker had broken up, the enemies that Harley made when she was still in the relationship with Joker were no longer afraid to get their revenge on Harley, including the likes of Happy.

### Knightmare

 File:Knightmare Joker (2) - ZSJL.png

> How many people die in your arms before you become numb to death? And how many dead eyes can you look into before you die inside yourself?
>
> The Joker to the Batman, Zack Snyder's Justice League

 File:Knightmare Joker card.png
In a dark potential future, Darkseid came to Earth and killed the newly resurrected Superman's lover, Lois Lane, making the distraught Man of Steel susceptible to Darkseid's will. Together with his new general Superman, Darkseid conquered the planet and transformed it into an apocalyptic wasteland, reminiscent of his homeworld. A massive conflict began between Darkseid and Superman's Regime and the Batman and the Justice League's Insurgency. Among the Insurgents was the Joker, convinced by the Batman to assist the Flash by obtaining a Mother Box to help him and Cyborg construct the Cosmic treadmill to travel back in time and prevent this future from ever coming to be. By some unknown circumstance, Joker's permanent tattoos and grills on his face had been removed or otherwise obscured, while he had let his hair grow longer than was usually seen of him. It is unknown what happened to him after he helped the Insurgency, but it is implied he may have been killed, as evidenced by his signature playing card duct-taped to rifle of the Batman possibly in memory of the now-rebellion leader's former foe, which the Joker had used to signify a truce between him and Batman, despite the latter's threat that he was going to "fucking kill" the Joker slowly as he promised Harley Quinn when she died in Batman's arms.

The card was later seen burnt and ripped, flying through the wind over the ruins of the Hall of Justice, the potential headquarters of the Justice League, during Cyborg's vision of the apocalyptical future during his interface with the Scout Ship.

## Personality

 File:Joker at Table.png

> You say you didn't want to hurt me, yet you did. And I insist I don't intend to hurt you, but you know what? Sometimes hurt happens.
>
> Joker to Harleen Quinzel, Suicide Squad: The Official Movie Novelization

The Joker is an extremely malevolent and evil individual, being a complete psychopath (albeit on the high-functioning end of the spectrum) with seemingly no regard for human life, and a ruthless sadist who takes sadistic pleasure in torturing others to achieve his goals, evidenced by when he (with help from Harley Quinn) brutally murdered Robin, and left a jocular spray-painted message for Batman on the damaged Robin Suit, as well as when the Joker cruelly implanted a nano-bomb into Dr. Van Criss' neck, even after the latter had agreed to comply due to the Joker already having the man's wife hostage. His dark and twisted personality makes Joker find humor or sport in the suffering and fear of his enemies, and he is seemingly impossible to intimidate, due to his pathological fearlessness.

Joker is also remarkably manipulative, easily psychologically enthralling Dr. Harleen Quinzel and commanding the respect and loyalty from all of his henchmen (who don't hesitate to break him out of Arkham Asylum), in addition to being extremely intelligent and unpredictable, thus managing to torment his nemesis for years, and catch Amanda Waller off-guard by sabotaging her ARGUS helicopter. Also, Joker appears to be somewhat vain about his status as the king of Gotham City's criminal underworld, evidenced by him forcing the imprisoned Captain Griggs to kiss his hand, and proudly refusing to shake Monster T's hand upon meeting him. Joker also uses sexuality to intimidate and unnerve his victims, sitting on Griggs' lap and stroking him, as well as calling Monster T a "handsome hunka hunka" when he offered Harley to him. Joker also has a penchant for flamboyancy, lavishness, and extravagance, evident in him complimenting his bleached white skin, green hair and red lips, with black eye-liner (giving himself the appearance of a fearsome clown); his bright and flashy Smiley Car (in stark contrast to his nemesis' Batmobile), as well as the outrageous outfits that Joker sometimes has his goons wear: one of them sporting a goat's head mask, another wearing a mask of a giant eyeball, another in a full-body panda suit, and yet another dressed up in a mockery Batman outfit.

 File:JOKER 3.png   Despite his psychopathic malevolence, on some level, Joker seems to reciprocate Harley Quinn's strong romantic love and infatuation in his twisted way (possibly due to her being one of the extremely few people to rival his psychopathy, with him thus feeling a kindred spirit in her), being exceptionally distressed after losing her (drawing a black smile around his mouth), being very possessive of her (promptly killing Monster T after the gangster made lustful remarks that she was a "bad bitch"), is desperate to rescue her from the clutches of Amanda Waller, is exuberant during their reunion, happily kissing and embracing his girlfriend, claiming that he would do anything for her, and willingly breaks into Belle Reve alongside his henchmen just to break her out. Despite these feelings, he has still been known to physically abuse her and leave her for dead when backed into a corner (such as when he left her underwater to drown). He basically views Harley more as property than someone he genuinely loves.

The only predictable aspect of the Joker's criminally insane psyche is his inherent unpredictability: Joker describes himself as "an idea, a state of mind, who executes [his] will according to [his] plan." Hence, given the chance, he will kill again and again, but the how, why, when, and whom he will kill cannot be anticipated, sometimes even by genius detectives like Batman and Commissioner Gordon. His reasons and methods are not necessarily random, but are so quixotic and impulsive they may very well be.

Joker is also a feared criminal in the streets of Gotham City, allowing Harley Quinn to assault people without having to worry about consequences. After the two break up, criminals of Gotham are no longer afraid to kill her one of which is Roman Sionis who wanted to kill her to prove himself.

 File:Knightmare Joker (2) - ZSJL.png
In the potential future of the Knightmare, the Joker, having presumably lost all of his power, status, and wealth in Gotham (thanks to the apocalyptic wasteland by Superman and Darkseid's armies), has been convinced by Batman to redeem himself of his ruthless psychopathy (or at least help return things back to the way they used to be). Having accepted this bitter fate, the Joker assisted him and the Flash in traveling back in time to prevent this future from being created, although it can be implied that this future's Joker might have died with his psychopathy. Though the Joker chose to help Batman and the Insurgency, he had not changed much and continued to sadistically taunt the Dark Knight on the many losses he had suffered. The Joker had retained his fearless nature too, as even after Batman threatened to kill him, he simply laughed after a minute of looking at Batman in surprise.

## Abilities

> What are you gonna do? You gonna kill me, Mr. J?"
> "What? Oh, I'm not gonna kill ya. I'm just gonna hurt ya really, really bad.
>
> Harleen Quinzel and Joker, Suicide Squad

* **Peak Human Condition**: The Joker, as a highly skilled and experienced villain, is in top physical condition (from frequent villainous escapades with his girlfriend Harley Quinn), with him, despite his relatively lean frame, being ripped like a mixed-martial-arts fighter, though he is not even near to Batman's level.
* **Genius-Level Intellect**: Joker is an extremely intelligent and formidable genius, being able to go toe-to-toe with the tactical and detective genius Batman for years, although he did get defeated and captured twice by Batman. Indeed, Joker succeeds in catching Amanda Waller herself off-guard by unexpectedly sabotaging her helicopter (thus nearly succeeding in rescuing Harley Quinn), and later manages to break into Belle Reve supermax prison itself, finally freeing an exuberant Harley. Joker goes so far as to describe himself as "an idea, a state of mind, who executes [his] will according to [his] plan." Hence, his intellect extends itself to his tactical, strategic, deception, manipulative, escapology, leadership, and intimidation skills.
	+ **Master Tactician**: Joker, much like his nemesis Batman, is an immensely formidable genius at planning and improvising criminal activities, despite his insanity being capable of sometimes impairing his higher thinking. While scheming, the Joker usually manages to stay one step ahead of the police, and sometimes even Batman himself, due to him being completely unpredictable. Hence, Joker was able to go toe-to-toe with and torment the tactical and detective genius Batman for years, and, even though Batman managed to capture him at one point, he was still able to briefly somewhat gain the upper hand against his nemesis by finally managing to trap and murder Batman's protegé Robin (though he notably had some assistance from Harley Quinn in this), before he was yet again captured and sent to Arkham Asylum. Joker was also very nearly successful in his first attempt to rescue his girlfriend Harley Quinn, successfully learning how to disable her implanted ARGUS nano-bomb (by blackmailing Dr. Van Criss, who made them, via the kidnapping and torture of the latter's wife), after which he sabotaged Amanda Waller's helicopter (catching even the highly experienced government agent off-guard) and proceeded to attack her and the rest of the Suicide Squad, giving Harley the opening she needed to escape. Joker is also very skilled at coming up with effective contingency plans, notably seen when his goons successfully break into Arkham Asylum and release him (in a contingency attack planned and told to them by Joker himself beforehand), and when he swiftly comes up with an effective second way of freeing Harley Quinn (by personally breaking into Belle Reve supermax prison) after his first attempt is thwarted at the last second. In the Knightmare possible future, it is shown that even Batman has a grudging respect for the Joker's tactical brilliance, as he went so far as to form a temporary (if uneasy) alliance with his archnemesis.
	+ **Master Deceiver**: Joker is a genius in the art of deception, which is what allowed him to easily trick the Van Criss Laboratories guard and enter the facility, as well as to discreetly trick Monster T into saying the wrong thing to Joker's face about Harley, giving Joker an excuse to sadistically murder him.
	+ **Master Manipulator**:  File:The Joker holds his cane and points.png   Joker is very skilled at superbly getting into people's heads and manipulating them. He was able to slowly turn Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a young brilliant psychiatrist, into a homicidal maniac like himself, dubbed "Harley Quinn", and to swiftly make the lustful Monster T uncomfortable (by suggesting he sleep with Harley, after whom Monster T had been lusting), making him pathetically (and unsuccessfully) plead for his life after picking up on the Joker's angry sarcasm. This is one of the Joker's most effective weapons, as it especially aides him in gaining followers in his many loyal goons (who don't hesitate to break their leader out of Arkham Asylum), but is also useful for carrying out mental torture (notably forcing Dr. Van Criss to show him how to disable a nano-bomb). In the Knightmare possible future, Joker was even able to get into the head of his former nemesis Batman, quickly enraging the usually composed hero. Deathstroke similarly despised this aspect of the Joker's personality.
	+ **Expert Escapologist**: Joker is an utter genius at escaping unscathed in extremely dangerous situations, despite staggering odds, with him notably somehow escaping from his submerged Smiley Car before Batman dives underwater, and somehow surviving the explosion of the helicopter he was on, most likely due to somehow escaping from it just in time, without Harley Quinn or Amanda Waller noticing.
	+ **Expert Leader**: Joker, as a crime boss at the very top of Gotham City's criminal underworld (referred to as the criminal "King of Gotham City" by Amanda Waller), is a highly skilled and charismatic leader, inspiring fierce loyalty from all of his numerous Joker's gang goons since even after he is imprisoned in Arkham Asylum, they organize an attack on the facility to break their leader out, and Joker tirelessly deploys them to discover the location of his girlfriend Harley Quinn, with great success.
	+ **Expert Networker**: Joker, as an exceptionally powerful and influential crime boss, superbly uses a dense network of professional and social contacts to further his criminal ambitions. As a result, Gotham City has a notably high level of corruption. He notably used these connections to discover the location of a secret black site prison (like Belle Reve), where Harley Quinn was being incarcerated. In the Knightmare possible future, the Joker, despite seemingly losing his high status among criminals, was still seen as a skilled enough networker for Batman to forge a temporary alliance with him.
* **Expert Marksman**: Joker is a highly skilled marksman, killing several Navy SEALs from the hijacked helicopter, when he and his Joker's gang goons opened fire on the Suicide Squad, though he is far surpassed in accuracy and precision by Deadshot.
* **Expert Intimidator**: Joker, due to his exceptional capacity for heinous torture and murder, commands a very intimidating presence, enough to frighten low-level thugs (swiftly intimidating Monster T, forcing him to pathetically begging for his life after lusting after Harley Quinn) and make them work for him out of the sheer fear of what he would do to them if they refused. Joker effectively intimidates Captain Griggs (who instantly quiets down his outrageous rant in fear when Joker reveals himself) into telling him where Harley Quinn is, and easily intimidates Dr. Van Criss into telling him how to disable an implanted nano-bomb (by showing him a video feed of the latter's kidnapped and tortured wife). Indeed, even some of his Joker's gang goons fear their leader and maintains their fierce loyalty mainly out of fear of what he would otherwise do to them. This is the one quality that Joker and Batman have in common to an extent.

> My heart scares you and a gun doesn't?
>
> Harleen Quinzel, Suicide Squad

* **Pathologically Indomitable Will**: Joker possesses an obliviousness to the danger that makes him invulnerable to fear and intimidation, which is usually Batman's greatest weapons in combat. Hence, Joker does not fear death and will even threaten his own life to achieve his goal or make a point. This makes the Joker the Dark Knight's most formidable enemy. His beloved girlfriend Harley Quinn is the only known individual to rival Joker in this regard.

### Weaknesses

* **Mental Illness**: Joker's other great weakness is that his insanity occasionally impairs his higher thinking, though Joker almost always makes up for this with his tactical, strategic, and escapology skills.

## Equipment

> I can't wait to show you my toys.
>
> Joker, Suicide Squad

Joker, due to him being a crime boss at the very top of Gotham City's criminal underworld (thus having a penchant for having his subordinates kiss his hand), is an exceptionally powerful and influential crime boss with vast resources, owning a lavish strip club, having a collection of numerous weapons (both blades and firearms of all sizes and calibers, all lying neatly sorted on the floor of his chambers), and commanding numerous strong, flamboyantly dressed, well-armed, and fiercely loyal Joker's gang goons (lead by Joker's right-hand man Jonny Frost). Joker successfully employs this vast influence and resources of his to quickly track Harley Quinn down to the remote supermax prison of Belle Reve (across the United States from Gotham City). This, coupled with his completely unpredictable psychopathy, makes Joker a worthy opponent even for Batman himself, thus being the Dark Knight's nemesis.

* **Smiley Car**:  File:Joker in Lamborghini.png  Joker utilizes an Infiniti G35 Vaydor is his stylized car, which reflects his flamboyant personality, as it is in stark contrast to the dark and armored Batmobile of his nemesis.
* **Purple phone**: Joker's phone, given to Captain Griggs, who is forced to secretly deliver it to Harley Quinn, allowing Joker to communicate with his girlfriend via SMS.
* **Purple cane**: Joker owns a customized purple cane that he occasionally carries.

### Weapons

> I need a machine gun.
>
> Joker to Harleen Quinzel, Suicide Squad

* **Colt Gold Cup Trophy**: Joker sports a heavily customized Colt Gold Cup Trophy handgun. He carries it in a brown shoulder holster and used it to kill Monster T.
* **Harley Quinn's Chiappa Rhino 60DS**: In the Knightmare timeline, the Joker has this gun, along with his customized pistol holstered in his vest.
* **Norinco Type 56-1**: Joker wielded a gold-plated rifle during his first attempt at rescuing Harley Quinn.
* **Colt M4A1**: Joker used a carbine when he successfully broke Harley Quinn out of Belle Reve.
* **Colt 933**: In the same Knightmare timeline, the Joker has this rifle on his lap.

## Relationships

	+ Jonny Frost † - right-hand man
	+ Grin Twins - bodyguards
	+ Panda Man †
	+ Crying Baby Man
	+ Sea Urchin
	+ Batman Cosplayer
	+ Muscle Man
	+ Eyeball Man
	+ Goat Head Priest †
	+ Ha-Ha Thug
* Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn - former psychiatrist, ex-girlfriend, and former partner
* Insurgency - teammates (Knightmare future)
	+ Batman † - leader
	+ Flash
	+ Cyborg
	+ Deathstroke
	+ Mera
* Richard Grayson/Robin † - victim
* Gotham City Police Department
* Monster T † - former ally and victim
* Van Criss Laboratories
	+ Van Criss
* ARGUS
	+ Amanda Waller - attempted victim
* Task Force X - attempted victims
	+ Rick Flag †
	+ Floyd Lawton/Deadshot
	+ Waylon Jones/Killer Croc
	+ Digger Harkness/Captain Boomerang †
	+ Chato Santana/El Diablo †
	+ Tatsu Yamashiro/Katana
* Hunter Griggs
* United States Navy
	+ GQ † - attempted victim
	+ Gomez † - attempted victim
	+ Kowalski † - attempted victim
* Black Mask's criminal organization
	+ Roman Sionis/Black Mask † - former rival
	+ Victor Zsasz †
	+ Happy †
* Darkseid (Knightmare future)
* Regime (Knightmare future)
	+ Superman

## Trivia

* This is the first live-action iteration of the character to not receive any kind of disfigured smile or even an extended makeup smile. He is also the first-live action Joker to have tattoos on his body.
* There is a possible inconsistency with the death of Robin within the timeline. While it was confirmed Joker killed Robin in an interview with Zack Snyder, it was later revealed in *Suicide Squad* that Harley was also involved in Robin's murder. This, however, does not match up considering that, at the time of Harley arriving at Arkham Asylum, the Joker already had his grill and "Damaged" tattoo, which, according to David Ayer, are the result of a brutal beat down Batman gave the Joker for the murder of Robin.
* This version of Joker appears to care about Harley Quinn more than his other iterations, appearing distressed without her, later attempting to save her from the clutches of Amanda Waller and being visibly upset when she falls out a helicopter.
* Unlike Romero's prankster, Nicholson's mobster and Ledger's anarchist, this version of the character is a contemporary gangster and a complete sadist.
* Director of Suicide Squad David Ayer admitted that he wished that he made the Joker the main villain of the movie.
* In promoting the film, this version of the Joker was added to the mobile version of DC's video game, *Injustice: Gods Among Us*, as two separate playable characters: "Suicide Squad The Joker Unhinged" based on his appearance in flashbacks while in Arkham, and "Suicide Squad The Joker" based on one of his present appearances in a suit.
* According to his bio, his favorite joke is Batman.
* On the ARGUS official website, he has his file, however, all his information is either unknown or redacted, except for his origin being Gotham City and aliases being "Clown Prince of Crime".
* Upon the film's release, despite that the film was panned by critics and audiences respectively, many praised Leto's performance, indicating that his performance as the Joker was "twisted, disturbing, frightening and colorful", however, the film received more negative criticism, criticizing the Joker's screen time.
* This is the first time that the Joker is not depicted as the main antagonist. In all of his cinematic incarnations, The Joker has appeared as the main antagonist.
* In the original version of *Suicide Squad* by David Ayer, Joker originally was the film's main antagonist instead of Enchantress, operating much more serious against the Squad in rescuing Harley.
* In the original version of *Justice League*, Joker was originally supposed to be assisting the League in defeating Darkseid, together with Lex Luthor. *Zack Snyder's Justice League* specifically included Jared Leto in additional photography to carry this concept forward. This marked the first time Joker was set/depicted as an anti-hero or "supporting protagonist" in a live-action movie.
* Jared Leto is the first actor to reprise the role of Joker in a second live-action film.

## Behind the scenes

* According to Zack Snyder, the Joker was planned to appear in *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice*, along with the Riddler. However, the idea was scrapped, and they were replaced by Anatoli Knyazev
* Jared Leto stayed in character even behind the scenes and sent his co-actors bizarre gifts, like a rat with a love letter for Margot Robbie, and bullets for Will Smith.
* Before Leto was cast as the Joker, many actors were speculated as possible Joker actors including Willem Dafoe, Ryan Gosling, Adrien Brody and Michael Fassbender. Ryan Gosling was reportedly offered the role, but turned it down. Willem Dafoe was also considered as an optional actor for the Joker back in 1989 for Tim Burton's *Batman.*
* In the preparation for the role process, Jared Leto met with imprisoned psychopaths, doctors and psychiatrists and explored gangster histories and his physical appearance was influenced by Mexican cartel bosses and Alejandro Jodorowsky. Like Heath Ledger, Leto spent his time alone but unlike Ledger, he listened to gospel music from the 20s and even read literature about shamanism.
* Joker in the DC Extended Universe is the sixth live-action incarnation of the character, following incarnations portrayed by Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Roger Stoneburner, Heath Ledger, Cameron Monaghan.
* Matt Berberi, Bryan Thomas and Tim Cody were stunt doubles for Jared Leto in the role of Joker.

## References

1. ↑ A tweet by David Ayer confirmed that Joker is about a year older than Batman https://www.reddit.com/r/batman/comments/mhml2e/if\_you\_listen\_closely\_you\_can\_almost\_hear\_a\_bunch/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=ios\_app&utm\_name=iossmf
2. ↑ Johnny Goth on Twitter - February 18, 2020
3. ↑ *Time Out Shortlist Gotham and Metropolis*
Ayer, David (writer and director) (August 5, 2016). *Suicide Squad*.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 *Suicide Squad Reveals Harley Quinn Was Involved In Robin's Murder*
6. ↑ THIS JOKER TATTOO IN ‘SUICIDE SQUAD’ HAS A BIGGER MEANING THAN YOU REALIZE - Altpress
Goyer, David S., Terrio, Chris (writers) & Snyder, Zack (director) (March 25, 2016). *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice*.
8. ↑ Wolfman, Marv (2016). *Suicide Squad: The Official Movie Novelization*. Titan Books.
Hodson, Christina (writer) & Yan, Cathy (director) (February 7, 2020). *Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)*.
10. ↑ 'The Snyder Claus' w/ Zack Snyder - AFSP | Film Junkee & Ping Pong Flix Deck the Hall of Justice - YouTube
11. ↑ [1]
Terrio, Chris, Beall, Will (writers) & Snyder, Zack (writer and director) (March 18, 2021). *Zack Snyder's Justice League*.
13. ↑ *Suicide Squad: The Official Movie Novelization (9781785651670)* - Amazon.com
14. ↑ *Zack Snyder Explains When Robin Died in the DC Extended Universe* - io9
15. ↑ *Suicide Squad Director on Joker's 'Damaged' Tattoo & Robin Backstory*  - Screenrant
16. ↑ *Batman v Superman 'Came Close' to featuring The Riddler & The Joker* - Screenrant
17. ↑ Jared Leto Maybe the Joke in The Suicide Squad
18. ↑ 15 WTF Ways Jared Leto Prepared To Play The Joker

## External links

The ***DC Extended Universe Wiki** has a collection of images and media related to* **Joker***.*

* File:Favicon.png Joker on DC Database
* File:WP favicon.png Joker on Wikipedia

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