Director of 'Suicide Squad' says Jared Leto's performance 'stops the world'

The director of Suicide Squad, David Ayer, says that Jared Leto's performance as the Joker makes "the world stop."

In an interview with Total Films (via DC Vertigo Daily), Ayer says that when Leto comes on set to work, the whole set stops and watches.

“What Jared has done is absolutely incredible. When he steps onto the set the world stops. Everything stops. What he’s done is so powerful, so menacing, and so palpable, you can feel him. The crew stops working and just watches him. I have to get everybody going again because he’s so fascinating.”

Some of Leto's cast mates also had some comments about his preparations for the role.

In an interview with Beats 1 radio show (via Complex), Will Smith, who plays Deadshot, talked about Leto staying in character on set when they're not filming.

"[Suicide Squad] is insane. I've never actually met Jared Leto," Smith said. "We worked together for 6 months and we've never exchanged a word outside of 'Action!' and 'Cut!' I literally have not met him yet. So, the first time I see him will be 'Hey, Jared. What's up?' He was all in on the Joker."

Leto even went as far as providing very odd gifts to his cast members to try and stay in character.

Viola Davis, who plays Amanda Waller, talked with Vanity Fair about those unusual gifts. One of the gifts was an introduction gift of a dead pig for the whole cast. Another was a black rat for Margot Robbie who plays Harley Quinn. After screaming, she ended up keeping it.

Suicide Squad hits theaters Aug. 5, 2016.