Jared Leto's Suicide Squad Joker Tattoos Explained (2024)

Reactions to Jared Leto's take on the Joker in 2016's Suicide Squad were decidedly mixed, but what do the character's various tattoos really mean? The Joker is arguably the most famous villain in comic book history and following his introduction in 1940, he's morphed from comical prankster to one of Batman's most lethal foes. Where Batman wants to bring order and justice to Gotham City, the Joker thrives on chaos and destruction.

The Joker has been memorably brought to life in a number of mediums. Jack Nicholson's Joker in Tim Burton's Batman is one of the most iconic, but Mark Hamill's portrayal in Batman: The Animated Series to video games like Batman: ArkhamKnight is also considered definitive. While fans were skeptical when Heath Ledger was cast in the role for The Dark Knight, the actor would soon prove them wrong with his mesmerizing portrayal. Ledger tragically passed away before the movie's release and would earn a posthumous Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his work.

Related: Joker Theory: Joaquin Phoenix's Joker Creates Batman

Fans are excited to see what Joaquin Phoenix does with therole in the standalone Joker movie, which promises to be a dark, grounded take on the villain. Responses to Jared Leto's interpretation in David Ayer's Suicide Squad was famously divided. From stories of his outlandish behavior during filming to his garish look, it's fair to say Leto's performance split opinions. That said, he definitely brought a new energy and look to the part, especially in regards to the many Joker tattoos.

Jared Leto's Suicide Squad Joker Tattoos Explained (1)

Ayer would state the Joker tattoos all tell a story and contain a number of easter eggs. Even the character's contentious grill has a backstory, with Ben Affleck's Batman having smashed the Joker's teeth after he murdered Robin. Ayer and Leto drew inspiration from real-life drug lords for the character's look and fascination with tattoos, so here's the meaning behind some of the Joker's most prominent ink.

"Damaged"

Probably the most controversial tattoo for fans, the "Damaged" stamped on the Joker's forehead is intended to be a personal message to Batman, blaming him for ruining his good looks after knowing out his teeth. Ayer would later admit this particular tat was probably a mistake.

HAHAHAHA

The HAHAHA's found on Joker's chest and left arm is a trademark of the character to indicate he's always laughing about something. He also spraypainted Robin's suit in the same way after his murder to taunt Batman.

The J Initial

Prior to the release of Suicide Squad, a popular fan theory stated Leto's Joker was actually Jason Todd, and the "J" tat on his cheek was a nod to this. This has subsequently been proven false, however, and is likely just a vanity reference to his own name.

The Stabbed Bat Logo

Found on Joker's left arm is a Batman logo stabbed by a knife. This could either be a reference to Joker's desire to kill the Caped Crusader or another nod to the death of Robin.

Dead Robin

A tattoo of a robin pierced with an arrow is found on the Joker's right bicep, which is a pretty blunt taunt to Batmanover killing Robin in the past.

The Smiles

See Also
Joker's Face

Leto's Joker has three tattoos of toothy smiles; one on his right forearm, his left hand, and his stomach. He uses the left-hand grin to hide his own smile during one scene, suggesting the tattoos are to hide his own insecurity over Batman smashing out his real teeth.

Related: The Best Joker Dark Knight Theory (And How It Improves The Movie)

JOKER

A pretty self-explanatory one, with this torso tattoo literally branding the character as the Joker. The villain possibly got this one to shed whoever he was in his former life.

"God's Only Child"

This tattoo is found on Leto's back and is either a not so subtle reference to the Joker seeing himself as special or a jab at the idea of religion.

"All In"

One of the most distinctive Joker tattoos is of a deck of cards on his neck labeled "All In." Cards are obviously a big part of the Joker's history and "All In" is probably a reference to how the villain lives his life. He also has a tattoo of card suits on his knuckles.

Jester

The Jester tattoo on Joker's chest in Suicide Squad could be a reference to his relationship with Harley Quinn. The fact the Jester is a skull suggests a darker meaning, however.

Next: Why Gotham Season 4 Episode 11 Was Important For The Joker

Key Release Dates

  • The Suicide SquadRelease Date:2021-08-05
  • Wonder Woman 2Release Date:2020-12-16
  • The BatmanRelease Date:2022-03-04
  • Super PetsRelease Date:2022-07-29
  • JokerRelease Date:2019-10-02
  • Birds of PreyRelease Date:2020-02-07
  • Movies
  • SR Originals
  • Suicide Squad (2016)

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Jared Leto's Suicide Squad Joker Tattoos Explained (2024)

FAQs

What does Jared Leto's tattoo say? ›

All of Leto's tattoos are related to his band, 30 Seconds to Mars: The Latin phrase "Provehito In Altum" is tattooed across his right collar bone. The phrase serves as the band's motto and roughly translates into 'launch forth into the depth. '

What is the meaning of the Joker tattoo? ›

Many people who have faced challenging life experiences use Joker tattoos to remind themselves of their strength and resilience. For them, the Joker represents overcoming hardship and coming out on the other side stronger and wiser. Of course, not everyone who gets a Joker tattoo does so for the same reasons.

What does the Joker have written on his forehead? ›

In the 2016 DC Comics movie, Leto's version of the green-haired, pale-faced villain had the word “damaged” tattooed across his forehead. While Ayer defended his Joker's “originality” in a 2018 tweet, he also acknowledged that “some people found it alienating”.

What does a damaged tattoo mean? ›

Additionally, a damaged tattoo can signify a sense of imperfection or acceptance of flaws, embracing the idea that nobody is perfect. It can also represent a sense of rebellion or non-conformity, as the damaged appearance goes against the traditional idea of a flawless tattoo.

What does it say on Joker's forehead in Suicide Squad? ›

Jared Leto portrayed supervillain Joker in the comic book-based movie and his version of the character had the word “damaged” tattooed across his forehead, an idea that Ayer proposed.

What does the Joker's tattoo mean in Suicide Squad? ›

Leto's Joker has three tattoos of toothy smiles; one on his right forearm, his left hand, and his stomach. He uses the left-hand grin to hide his own smile during one scene, suggesting the tattoos are to hide his own insecurity over Batman smashing out his real teeth.

Why does Joker snap his own neck? ›

The Joker then finally says "See you in Hell!., before, in a last act of revenge against his enemy, twists his neck just far enough to kill himself, committing suicide and framing his enemy for his own murder.

Why does the Joker lick his lips a lot? ›

In the documentary "I Am Heath Ledger" (via Far Out), it was revealed that the silicone pieces would sometimes come loose, prompting the actor to keep licking his lips to make sure they stayed in place. Eventually, Ledger embraced the licking and made it part of his character's mannerisms.

Why does Joker have yellow teeth? ›

The make up is so white it makes clean teeth look yellow and nasty. So I firmly believe the way he's drawn is on purpose. They know that his teeth would appear yellow and grimy under all that makeup in real life, so he's drawn that way.

What is a traumatic tattoo? ›

A traumatic tattoo is when foreign bodies become forcibly embedded in the dermis and create a permanent tattoo. Such particles may include fireworks, sand, metal, glass, gunpowder, asphalt, dust, petroleum products, and graphite from pencil point injuries.

What does barbed wire tattoo mean? ›

Barbed wire tattoos can symbolize strength, endurance, or overcoming hardships in life. They might also symbolize imprisonment, suffering, or oppression, given barbed wire's history in war and its widespread use in prisons.

What happens if you accidentally rub your tattoo? ›

Scratching can extend the tattoo's healing time.

As it heals, it's natural for scabs to form over your tattoo to protect the vulnerable skin from infection. If you scratch your tattoo, you might remove the scabs, expose the sensitive skin, and disrupt the healing process by forcing your skin to scab over again.

What does Orbis Epsilon mean? ›

Orbis epsilon - It uses previous symbols to create a new one: A round shape, divided in the middle (yin/yang), with spears (arrows) It's a symbol for War and a shield. Epsilon is also the lowest of five castles in the novel "Brave new World" Small and circular formation of troops.

What does Neptune God tattoo mean? ›

Neptune tattoos generally represent the god of the sea and are associated with water, the ocean, and maritime mythology. They can symbolize strength, power, and mastery over the unpredictable nature of the sea.

What does the Greek god Apollo tattoo mean? ›

Description • The Apollo God tattoo represents the embodiment of power, strength, and divinity. Apollo, the Greek god of light and knowledge, symbolizes enlightenment, creativity, and artistic pursuits. This tattoo is perfect for those seeking to harness their inner strength and unleash their creative potential.

What does Callisto tattoo mean? ›

Much of Callisto's origins are unknown, so that even her real name although she was born in 1973 and her tattoos are a symbol of "how dumb you can be" of trusting a member of the human race.

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