The Remarkable Case of Jared Leto Starring in Both DC’s The Joker and Marvel’s Morbius
Jared Leto is a multi-faceted actor known for his versatility and range in the film industry. His journey of portraying one of cinema's most iconic characters, The Joker, has had its ups and downs. Recently, Leto is set to star in two different superhero films under different production companies: DC's The Joker and Marvel's Morbius. This article delves into the current status of Leto's involvement in both projects and explains why there is no conflict between the two.
From Controversy to New Roles
Jared Leto was initially slated to play The Joker in a future DC film. Despite his enthusiasm for the role, the decision was made by Warner Brothers to cast Joaquin Phoenix as The Joker in his iconic manifestation. Phoenix's critically acclaimed and commercially successful portrayal in the 2019 film The Joker marked the end of Leto's plans for his version of the character.
Reception of Leto’s portrayal was not as favorable as Phoenix's. The team behind the Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) decided to write Leto out of the film, citing a lack of interest from the audience. This decision left Leto with one less project to pursue, further confirming the cancellation of his plans to play The Joker.
A New Chapter with Morbius
Although Leto's potential to play The Joker in a future project is now uncertain, he has secured a promising role in Morbius, a film produced by Sony Pictures. Morbius, a movie about a scientist who becomes a vampire, is not part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Instead, it belongs to the Sony universe of Marvel Characters (SUMC), a separate but interconnected world of superhero films.
It is important to note that the Morbius film, starring Leto, is produced by Sony and not by Marvel Studios. This distinction is critical in understanding why there is no overlap between the two projects. Unlike other films where characters might cross over due to shared producers or franchising agreements, Morbius maintains its independence and does not collide with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Interplay of Different Universes
Intersects of different superhero worlds are not unheard of in the film industry. Several actors have managed to balance roles in both DC and Marvel franchises. A notable example is Ryan Reynolds, who has portrayed both Deadpool and Green Lantern. Other actors such as Ben Affleck (Daredevil and Batman), Chris Evans (Captain America and The Human Torch), and Tom Hardy (Venom and Bane) have also straddled these parallel universes.
The overlapping of characters between different fractals of the superhero genre is a testament to the creative flexibility within the industry and the fans' acceptance of such ventures. These roles often enhance the actor's portfolio and fan base, adding layers of uniqueness to their careers.
Conclusion
Jared Leto's journey through the superhero genre, from his disappointing stint as The Joker to his promising lead role in Morbius, reflects the evolving nature of the film industry. His involvement with both DC and Marvel highlights the complex and intriguing interplay of different film universes. As fans and critics await the releases of both projects, the focus remains on the unique contributions of Leto and how these roles will contribute to the richness of the superhero genre.