Ares proves that Jared Leto is box office poison

Jared Leto couldn’t help make “Tron: Ares” a success for Disney. The Oscar winner was at the top of the list of nominees for the long-awaited “Tron” film. But even though there are a lot of glamorous pictures and… Soundtrack by Nine Inch NailsThe film was a huge hit at the box office during its opening weekend. As a result, Leto’s star power is now very much in question, although a deeper look at the numbers suggests that it should have been questioned a very long time ago.

Directed by Joachim Rönning, “Tron: Ares” has grossed $33.2 million domestically and $26.7 million internationally for a $59.9 million global debut. For context, 2010’s “Tron: Legacy” dropped to $44 million domestically on its way to $400 million worldwide on a $170 million budget, itself $10 million less than what “Ares” reportedly cost. Pre-release projects had Ares paid for between $40 and $50 million. Instead, it fell well short of that mark, which was already a modest mark for a blockbuster of this size.

Thus, it has been years since Leto has been part of any film that could be considered successful. His post-2020 output has been stunningly disastrous, with a run that includes “The Little Things” ($31 million worldwide/$30 million budget), “House of Gucci” ($153 million worldwide/$75 million budget), “Morbius” ($167 million worldwide/$75 million budget) and “Haunted.” Mansion” ($118 million global / $150 million budget).

“House of Gucci” can, to some extent, be considered a qualified success by pandemic-era standards given its relative acclaim, but even that is generous. “The Little Things” also suffered from its simultaneous release on HBO Max. However, bad is bad. “Morbius” failed despite Marvel’s good reputation It was an absolutely critical disaster. Sure, it might have made money in the long run, but as a box office gambit? It was a train wreck, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Earlier this year, Leto was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women, which the actor denied (per Hollywood Reporter). But while it’s no secret at all that Hollywood can overlook outrageous behavior if it feels a particular talent is worth it, Leto had proven he was bad for business long before that.

Of the 10 films in which Leto starred or co-starred, only two were major hits: “Suicide Squad” and “Urban Legend.” They have been like that for a long time. Everything else? At best, disappointment, or at worst, failure. Even if we look at the movies where Leto was just part of the action, it wouldn’t be any better.

‘Blade Runner 2049’ ($259 million worldwide / $185 million budget) was a financial disaster. There was a lot of action in this movie, but it doesn’t help Leto’s case. Even “Fight Club” ($101 million worldwide/$65 million budget) wasn’t a hit, hence its classic status. Sure, “Dallas Buyers Club” ($60 million worldwide/$5 million budget) was a hit that led to Leto winning an Oscar, but pretty much everything since then has been a mess. Even Leto’s financial hits were serious disasters.

In short, Leto may be one of the most undeserving celebrities in Hollywood. He’s fairly reliable as a musician, as his band 30 Seconds To Mars has sold around 15 million albums worldwide. But as an actor? It’s hard to understand why Hollywood still thinks it’s a worthwhile investment. My spin-off “America Psycho” ($34 million worldwide/$8 million budget) pales in comparison Flops Like “Alexander” ($167 million worldwide/$155 million budget).

At this point, it’s become abundantly clear: Leto is unbankable. He’s box office poison, and his career as a major movie star should end.

“Tron: Ares” is now in theaters.