Is ‘Tron’ the End of Jared Leto’s Leading Roles? Why This Unwanted Reboot Could Change Everything

On October 1, Jared Leto made a splash at the London premiere of Tron: Ares, standing high above Piccadilly Circus in a striking red raincoat over a white suit. It was a bold move to stir up excitement for his new film, but the results were disappointing.

The film fell flat at the box office, earning around $33 million, which was significantly below expectations. With a hefty production budget of at least $180 million, the figures painted a grim picture. Even its overseas numbers didn’t offer much hope, bringing the total to approximately $60 million globally. The audience demographic wasn’t in Leto’s favor, as young males, the primary target group, largely stayed away.

Leto enjoys putting on a show; he once climbed the Empire State Building just to promote his band, 30 Seconds to Mars. “It’s always been a dream of mine,” he told Jimmy Fallon. However, even his larger-than-life stunts couldn’t mask the negative headlines surrounding him. Allegations have surfaced regarding inappropriate behavior from his past, and while he has denied them, such claims lingered in the background as the movie’s marketing campaign unfolded.

This didn’t stop Leto from actively promoting Ares, where he reportedly earned a substantial payday for both acting and producing. His next project is Masters of the Universe, where he will portray the villain Skeletor. Such roles may prove beneficial for Leto, especially as he leans into characters that blend menace with humor.

Interestingly, the Tron sequel has had a complicated journey. Originally planned as a follow-up to Tron: Legacy—which did moderately well in 2010, grossing $400 million on a $170 million budget—Ares faced numerous obstacles before securing a greenlight. Writer Jesse Wigutow mentioned that the film’s initial concept changed significantly over the years, eventually centering on Leto’s character.

However, given the poor performance of Ares and the backlash from earlier projects like Morbius, Leto’s standing in the industry may be fluctuating. He’s up against tough competition from actors like Michael Fassbender and Ewan McGregor, who also find it challenging to land leading roles. “With actors struggling, why would studios bet on someone who hasn’t delivered?” questioned one industry insider.

The fallout from Tron: Ares is not solely Leto’s fault. The film’s concept itself may not have sparked much interest among audiences. “Even with a different actor, it was going to have a hard time,” said another talent manager.

The film’s journey reflects broader trends in the industry, where franchises often struggle to revive interest. According to a recent survey, sequels underperforming at the box office isn’t uncommon, especially when audiences feel they’ve seen it all before. As we navigate the shifting landscape of cinema, Leto’s future choices will be crucial in determining his path ahead.

For more information on the film industry and box office trends, you might find resources from the Box Office Mojo helpful.

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