The presence of tattoos on the Joker varies significantly depending on the specific iteration of the character. While many classic portrayals show him without body art, certain versions of the Joker have notably featured tattoos.
Jared Leto's Joker in Suicide Squad
One prominent example of a tattooed Joker is Jared Leto's portrayal in the 2016 DC Comics movie, Suicide Squad. This rendition of the iconic green-haired, pale-faced villain was distinct for his numerous tattoos. Among the most recognizable was the word “damaged” tattooed across his forehead. Other notable tattoos on this version included a large grinning mouth on his hand, a Jester skull, and various other chaotic designs across his body.
The unique look, including the tattoos, was a creative choice for the film. While the film's director, David Ayer, defended the "originality" of this design choice, he also acknowledged that "some people found it alienating."
Other Iterations of the Joker
It's important to note that the inclusion of tattoos is not a consistent feature across all depictions of the Joker. In the vast majority of his appearances in comic books, animated series, and other live-action films (such as those portrayed by Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, or Joaquin Phoenix), the Joker typically does not have tattoos as a characteristic part of his design. The decision to add tattoos is often a specific artistic choice made for particular adaptations to convey a certain personality or backstory.
