Jared Leto's days as a franchise-leading actor may be numbered, with the recent release of Tron: Ares marking a significant decline in his box office success. The actor, known for his dramatic roles in films like Dallas Buyers Club and Requiem for a Dream, has been a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. However, his latest venture into the sci-fi genre has left audiences and critics underwhelmed.
The London premiere of Tron: Ares, where Leto stood 30 feet above Piccadilly Circus in a dramatic red raincoat, was a spectacle straight out of his playbook. But the excitement it generated did not translate into box office success. The film brought in at least $10 million less than its projected opening gross, earning a dismal $33.2 million from 4,000 theaters. Overseas, the sci-epic also failed to connect, grossing $27 million for a global start of $60.2 million.
The failure of Tron: Ares is not just a Leto issue, but an IP problem. Disney executives were concerned that only die-hard fans would show up, and the sweet spot of 18- to 24-year-old males badly underindexed. The film also received a bland B+ CinemaScore, indicating a lack of appeal to a broader audience.
Leto's appreciation for spectacle is well-known, from scaling the Empire State Building to promote his band 30 Seconds to Mars to his role as Skeletor in MGM/Mattel's Masters of the Universe. However, his stunts and charisma may not be enough to distract from a spate of negative headlines.
Leto's representatives have denied all allegations, but Disney executives were alarmed by the possibility of further accusations. The actor has been a consummate professional throughout his global promo tour for Tron: Ares, earning high seven figures for the role, plus a seven-figure producing fee.
Despite the failure of Tron: Ares, Leto's career may not be over. His earlier dramatic work has been lauded, and he has a powerful ally in Sean Bailey, who was hired to run Disney's live-action studio in 2010. However, the failure of the film may have damaged his reputation as a leading man, and studios may be hesitant to offer him hefty paydays in the future.
