SUICIDE SQUAD hasn't even released in theaters and yet there's already a report, from The Hollywood Reporter, claiming studio meddling. This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who closely followed the movie throughout its production, especially after the negative reception from BATMAN V. SUPERMAN.
This report includes unnamed insider source quotes citing there was alleged drama, potential meddling and a perceived tremendous amount of pressure for SUICIDE SQUAD to succeed after BATMAN V. SUPERMAN didn't meet reception and box office goals. THR reports:
"A source with knowledge of events says Warners executives, nervous from the start, grew more anxious after they were blindsided and deeply rattled by the tepid response to BvS. 'Kevin [Tsujihara, Warner Bros. CEO] was really pissed about damage to the brand,' says one executive close to the studio. A key concern for Warners executives was that Suicide Squad didn’t deliver on the fun, edgy tone promised in the strong teaser trailer for the film. So while Ayer pursued his original vision, Warners set about working on a different cut, with an assist from Trailer Park, the company that had made the teaser."
This led Warner Bros. to enlist two different edits and test screening cuts of SUICIDE SQUAD. THR's report continues:
"In May, Ayer’s more somber version and a lighter, studio-favored version were tested with audiences in Northern California. 'If there are multiple opinions that aren’t in sync, you go down multiple tracks — two tracks at least,' says an insider. 'That was the case here for a period of time, always trying to get to a place where you have consensus.' Those associated with the film insist Ayer agreed to and participated in the process. Once feedback on the two versions was analyzed, it became clear it was possible to get to 'a very common-ground place.' (The studio-favored version with more characters introduced early in the film and jazzed-up graphics won.) Getting to that place of consensus, however, required millions of dollars worth of additional photography."
This is just a snippet of THR's report and you should read it in full by clicking right here.
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