Oscar-winnerJared Letohas recently found himself on the wrong side of media coverage after news of alleged sexual misconduct allegations began to spread. While we await the potential legal fallout from the abhorrent allegations, talk has turned to the actor’s standing in Hollywood, with Leto on board to play major roles in several high-profile films. Leto currently has the long-awaited sci-fi action sequelTron: AresandAmazon’sMasters of the Universeon his docket, and it is now being reported that they could possibly be affected by the allegations being leveled against him.
Per Variety, promoting both of these upcoming releases could prove problematic for Leto and the studios involved. When an actor promotes big projects, they’re invited to do cover pieces for magazines, television interviews, and other promotional material, but these could very well be sidelined for the actor as production navigates his involvement in these two films. InTron: Ares, he’s the lead of the project, while he’sthe main villaininMasters of the Universe. Leto is currently on tour with his band 30 Seconds to Mars, and that is expected to last until the end of the summer. His next focus would be preparing to promote the Oct. 10 release ofTron: Ares, but what that looks like remains to be seen in light of therecent allegations against him.
What Made Jared Leto Famous, and How Allegations and Bad Choices Faded His Fame
Jared Leto used to be a well-respected actor, but the star’s image has faded due to over-the-top performances and troubling allegations.
Industry insiders are now reportedly “wondering how he can shoulder the pressure of selling two theatrical movies and dance around the damning claims,” with some comparing the situation to Johnny Depp’sinvolvement in the likes ofPirates of the Caribbeanand theFantastic Beastsfranchise. A “seasoned C-suite executive” stated that, asthe #MeToo movementis pushed out of the headlines and Donald Trump takes center stage, “you’d get in more trouble for saying something bad about Donald Trump on the air.” Representatives for Walt Disney Studios and Amazon MGM have not yet commented on the matter, with Variety revealing that a “rep for Leto declined to provide comment” for their story.
What Are the Allegations Against Jared Leto?
In a report that emerged last Saturday, it was alleged by nine accusers that Leto pursued them relentlessly, and some of them were reportedly underage. Beginning in the mid-to-late 2000s, it’s alleged that Leto exposed himself to them and engaged in harassment. The most damning of the allegations accuses the actor of using sexually aggressive language with a minor. He’s also accused of walking around naked in the presence of a 17-year-old while at his home.Leto has denied all the allegations.
It’s likely that other stars will take on the responsibility of promoting the bulk of the respective films should they want Leto to take a backseat.Tron: Areshas Evan Peters, Greta Lee, and Gillian Anderson on its roster, whileMasters of the Universeis led by Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Mendes, while other high-profile names involved with that project include Idris Elba, Morena Baccarin, James Purefoy and Alison Brie. There are ways around putting the focus on Leto, but there will be no denying the elephant in the room, which could - and no doubt will - affect how the films are received by general audiences.
Should the studios put Leto out in front of controversy, ala Blake Lively, and pretend like nothing is going on? Or should they hide their big name in the background out of fear that it might hurt the project? Only time will tell what they decide to do.
Source:Variety
Tron: Ares
