Producer of Suicide Squad Talks About Ayer Cut Testing vs. Studio Version

The Suicide Squad, directed by James Gunn, has drawn similarities to David Ayer's version of the supervillain team-up, which was released in 2016. Gunn's approach 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 attempting 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 queries about the mythical 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 which elements of each film should be included in the final cut, 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 movie made a big chunk of coin. We decided to do a sequel since the audience enjoyed it so much.

In a statement to his fans, Ayer said, "I put my life into Suicide Squad." "I created something incredible."  My cut is a complex and emotional trip into the lives of some horrible individuals who have been spit 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 great work. There isn't a single radio tune in the entire film, thanks to Steven Price's excellent score. It features typical character arcs, excellent performances, and a satisfying final act. Only a few individuals have seen it."