Filmmaker David Ayer is taking a break from social media following a series of death threats.
Best known for directing 2016’s Suicide Squad, Ayer had been campaigning for Warner Bros. Discovery to release his director’s cut for several years. This effort developed some support online and inspired several fan campaigns. However, some fans of the DCEU were apparently upset when Ayer voiced his support for James Gunn and the upcoming Superman movie, which is the first film set in the new DCU.
The controversy started after David Ayer addressed his followers on X (formerly Twitter) on December 17, regarding their latest effort to promote his campaign. Their most recent trending effort coincided with the release of Creature Commandos, the first show set in the new DCU. Ayer said this was unintentional and politely asked his followers not to campaign for him on December 19. This was the day the first Superman trailer was to be released.
“As a film makers I want to support other film makers [sic],” Ayer noted. “I’m excited to see the trailer and have heard through the rumor mill it’s pretty incredible. I just want to publicly say it would be nice to stay far clear of Thursday for any campaigning.”
What did David Ayer say about leaving social media?
Unfortunately, David Ayer’s request did not have the intended effect. Indeed, many called him a “traitor” before threatening his life. This prompted a second post on X on December 18, in which Ayer announced that he was taking a break from social media due to the vitriolic response. He also affirmed his continued support for James Gunn and how much he was looking forward to seeing the trailer and the new Superman movie.
“I cannot wait to see his film,” Ayer repeated. “And absolutely am sure he crushed it. Because that simple optimism of Superman is all over it. And the little kid in me needs that right now. I’m a bad guy for that? So be it.”
It is unclear what effect, if any, this will have on the efforts to release the David Ayer cut of Suicide Squad. It is ironic, however, that some of Ayer’s supporters are opposed to anything positive being said about James Gunn or his work. Ayer claimed in a 2023 statement to Variety that Gunn told him the Ayer Cut “would have its time to be shared.”
