Watch the First 'Suicide Squad' Trailer, Featuring Jared Leto's Terrifying Joker

Culture

What does a smart studio do when a grainy version of its hot new property's trailer leaks? They release the trailer to the public early and win back the buzz cycle.

At San Diego Comic-Con this past weekend, DC's new Suicide Squad movie showed off its first footage. That trailer was quickly leaked to the public, but Monday, Warner Bros. went ahead and dropped the trailer online. It's a good thing too: This footage is best enjoyed with every creepy, frightening frame in high definition.

Mic/YouTube

The major reveal is that of Jared Leto's take on the Joker, the first portrayal of the character since Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning work in The Dark Knight. Leto's look is almost entirely different, which is a good thing for him: The further away from Ledger's iconic performance, the better.

Mic/YouTube

The Joker apparently isn't a part of the titular squad himself. Instead, the film features other villains-turned-reluctant heroes like Deadshot (Will Smith), Boomerang (Jai Courtney) and the Joker's closely connected female ally Harley Quinn. As played by Margot Robbie, she's easily the highlight of this trailer.

Mic/YouTube
Mic/YouTube

Cara Delevingne, who plays Enchantress, had particularly sharp things to say about how superhero movies treat women, emphasizing that as the exception that proves the rule, Suicide Squad's best parts are for the women. Between Robbie and Viola Davis' Amanda Waller, a merciless doctor who puts the squad together, she looks to be absolutely right.

Mic/YouTube

Suicide Squad will hit theaters Aug. 5, 2016. Watch the full trailer below.