After a long wait, which was years in the making, we’re getting Tron 3. The problem is, Jared Leto is involved.
Set to premiere in 2025, the continuation of the beloved world created in 1982 and then continued with Tron: Legacy in 2010, has been on the minds of fans for years. From the outfits to the music and styling, it’s become a cultural touchstone of what makes a good sci-fi movie. And we knew Sam Hedlund probably wasn’t going to return. His character’s story is closed and he’s busy living his life. Same thing with Olivia Wilde and Jeff Bridges. But we sure as shit didn’t expect Leto to take the helm in Tron 3 aka Tron: Ares.
To put it plainly, casting Leto doesn’t lead to successful movies. Morbius was a master class on how to make a terrible movie. His role as Paolo Gucci in House of Gucci was a rude caricature and not relatable or funny for a second. And his Joker is the flattest version of the iconic character ever. And that’s without taking into account the fact that he’s a very method actor who dives into characters to the point where he apparently sent his costars used condoms, anal beads, and “sticky” Playboy magazines; something he has vehemently denied.
Then there are the whole sexual misconduct allegations against him. It was allegedly known amongst fans of 30 Seconds to Mars that he liked to “hang out” with his underage fans in his hotel room. Then there’s the whole thing about Dylan Sprouse calling him out on Twitter for sliding into the DM’s of young models with director James Gunn replying with, “He starts at 18 on the internet?” And we can’t forget about how everyone is convinced he runs a cult because of an “intense three-day retreat on a private island” where he dressed and looked like Jesus “and encouraged attendees to get matching tattoos.”
Basically, Leto gives off those kinds of vibes in your gut that you shouldn’t ignore when you KNOW something isn’t right. But also there’s too much talk, too much coincidence, and too much evidence to prove that he is the wrong kind of lead you want on a project. Because no matter what you do with a man like that, people are going to talk about the sexual misconduct allegations or the cult allegations, or the general allegations of him being an over-the-top method actor. And whatever movie he’s attached too will come second.
And we’re not alone in this “WTF, why would you cast Jared Leto in Tron 3 when he’s *waves at all of this*?!” The internet agrees and came with some of the best memes and reactions.
Some wondered at the cost of Tron 3 if it means having Leto on board.
Others used scenes right out of Tron: Legacy to express their feelings.
Then there were the ones who felt like they were instantly knocked back by the news and needed the most dramatic clips to express their feelings.
And some went as far as saying they’re conflicted because they’re happy that everyone A) collectively hates Jared Leto and B) wants more Tron.
But the most important disappointment is that Daft Punk, who delivered one of the best movie soundtracks in existence, won’t be involved.
Tron: Legacy is available to stream on Disney+.