Los Angeles, Feb 20 (AZINS) Oscar-winner Jared Leto, who will play Joker in "Suicide Squad", says he has been trying to gain weight for the role in the super villain movie.

The 43-year-old opened up about his preparations for the role in an interview with the Billboard magazine, reports aceshowbiz.com. 

“Do you mind if I eat a little? I'm trying to gain a lot of weight. It means I have to eat every couple of hours - and I'm terrible at eating a lot,” he said. 

Leto further shared why he chose to play the Joker.

“The opportunity to take on this nearly Shakespearean character - that's what graphic novels and comic books are becoming, right? (He's) this beautiful disaster of a character - what a big challenge,” he said. 

“Suicide Squad” also stars Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney and Cara Delevingne. 

Directed by David Ayer, the film, which will go on the floors in April, is expected to release Aug 5, 2016.