Jared Leto confirms he’ll star in a third Tron movie and promises fans something ‘very special’

Days after revealing his role as Andy Warhol in an upcoming biopic on the art icon, Jared Leto has delighted fans once again by confirming that he is set to star in a third Tron movie. The third installment of the Tron big-screen franchise, will star Leto as the title role. It will not be a direct sequel to “Tron: Legacy” or its predecessor “Tron.” But will instead tell its own story within the franchise.

Leto will be directed by Garth Davis. Who is better known for his smaller art house films over the years. Like 2018’s Mary Magdalene and his critically acclaimed 2016 drama, Lion. The latter of which received six Oscar nominations including for Best Picture. Tron would mark Davis’ first tent-pole. And though he is not known for big-budget projects, insiders say Davis aggressively pursued the job, eventually winning over executives.

Leto along with Justin Springer and Emma Ludbrook are producing. The latest version of the script was written by Jesse Wigutow. But the project remains in development and has yet to be officially given the green light.

“Both, the original video game and the film affected me so deeply as a young child”

Jared Leto has been attached to the potential Tron project since 2017. The actor was thrilled to finally be able to confirm himself for Davis’ film in a series of celebratory social media posts. Leto also wrote about his love of Tron’s futuristic neon-infused world.

“I’m struck with such gratitude for the opportunity to bring this movie to life. Especially as both the original video game and the film affected me so deeply as a young child. The fact that I get to be a part of this new chapter is mind-blowing,’ the actor shared on his Instagram.

He continued, “I am so very excited and proud to confirm that YES – I will be starring in TRON. We will work as hard as we possibly can to create something that I hope you all will love. We have some very special ideas in store for you all…???? Anyone wanna go to the movies?” ???? ????. He concluded the post saying, “See you in the grid!????????‍????”

Leto’s slip-up

However, In the first draft of his social media post, Leto appeared to have given away the title for the third Tron adventure. Writing that he would be starring in ‘TRON: ARES’. However, he hastily deleted the post and wrote the above instead. If Leto’s slip is anything to go by, the film will be called Tron: Ares. Historic reports have also backed the information, indicating that Ares might be the name of Leto’s lead character.

Tron and Tron:Legacy

The original Tron gained a cult following with its use of at the time groundbreaking computer graphics. The 1982 film, starring Jeff Bridges, was set inside the computer program called the Grid. Where a computer hacker is abducted and forced to participate in gladiatorial games. However, despite its game changing special effects at the time, the film wasn’t a hit and received mixed reviews.

The sequel, Tron: Legacy, revived the high-tech world almost 30 years later and was more of a financial success than a critical one. Bridges and his original co-star, Bruce Boxleitner reprised their roles for the 2010 sequel. Alongside Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde and Michael Sheen.

That film did go on to have box office success, bringing in $400 million globally, but the studio eventually scrapped plans for a direct sequel. Even after Leto attached himself in 2017. Davis coming on to the project signals the next installment may finally happen, but insiders still stress a green light has not been given. The film is still in development but Davis’ involvement is a push in the right direction for the future of the franchise.

Leto’s future projects

Leto, who won a Best supporting actor Academy Award for 2013’s Dallas Buyers Club, was last seen on the big screen in 2017’s Blade Runner 2049. His most recent film Morbius, in which he stars with Michael Keaton, had been due this year. But like most films, has been pushed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Very recently, the actor also confirmed that he’ll be playing the legendary artist, Andy Warhol, in a forthcoming biopic about the pop art icon.

While there’s no telling when fans will see Tron 3, it’s reassuring that Leto seems so thrilled to be involved with the project.