The disappointing performance of *Tron: Ares* could signal a turning point in Jared Leto’s career, potentially marking the end of his status as a leading man in Hollywood.
The new Disney movie, costing $180 million to make, performed very poorly in the US, earning only $33.5 million – much less than anticipated. It even made less than the 2010 film *Tron: Legacy*. Industry experts believe this failure marks the end of Jared Leto’s status as a reliable box office draw, despite a large marketing campaign and his extensive promotional efforts.
According to reports from The Wrap and The Hollywood Reporter, *Tron: Ares* was a project Jared Leto was very enthusiastic about and had been trying to get made for a long time. However, after a string of unsuccessful films – *Morbius*, *House of Gucci*, and *Haunted Mansion* – its poor performance seems to have led studios to stop working with him.
Industry insiders are saying that while Jared Leto will likely continue to act, he probably won’t be starring in big-budget blockbuster films anymore. Additionally, two of his previously announced projects, *Assassination* and *Lunik Heist*, have apparently been cancelled.
Hollywood Moves On
Even his supporters agree the movie was unlikely to succeed. One manager explained, “They could have cast Ryan Gosling, but it still wouldn’t have worked.” Others point out that Disney overestimated how popular the *Tron* franchise was, and it didn’t attract much interest from any age group, particularly young men.
Jared Leto was once celebrated for films like *Requiem for a Dream* and *Dallas Buyers Club*, but he hasn’t starred in a truly successful movie for almost ten years. His recent projects – including *Suicide Squad*, *Blade Runner 2049*, *Morbius*, *Haunted Mansion*, and now *Tron: Ares* – haven’t resonated with audiences.
What’s Next
Joaquin Phoenix (known as Leto) is set to play Skeletor in the upcoming *Masters of the Universe* movie. Nicholas Galitzine will star as He-Man, alongside Camila Mendes as Teela and Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms. This role is a smaller one for Leto and could either be a successful way to rebuild his image, or another expensive film that doesn’t quite work out.
We recently questioned a casting decision, and one agent told *The Wrap* that the role is small and Leto is barely identifiable. They asked, “Since 2021, what major leading role, let alone a top-billed one, has Leto actually had?”
Industry sources say Leto’s influence on projects has decreased. While he was instrumental in getting Tron: Ares made after a long wait, many now believe the film was a costly error and effectively ended his ability to lead major franchises.
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2025-10-17 03:31