Jared Leto To Play The Joker In New DC Comics Movie?

Jared Leto is reported to be in the frame to play a villain in one of Warner Brothers' forthcoming DC Comics adaptations.

The 42-year-old actor and 30 Seconds To Mars frontman has not taken any new parts since winning an Oscar for his supporting role in Dallas Buyers Club earlier this year.

And The Wrap claims that he is in talks to play a baddie - possibly Batman's arch-enemy The Joker - in Suicide Squad.

Tom Hardy, Will Smith and Margot Robbie are also reported to be in negotiations to appear in the ensemble movie - which is being directed by David Ayer.

The site also reports that Ryan Gosling had earlier been linked to the role, but had been turned off by the prospect of compulsory sequels and spin-offs.

The Joker was famously played to chilling effect by the late Heath Ledger - who won an Oscar posthumously for his portrayal of the deranged supervillain.

Suicide Squad is slated for release in summer 2016.