Over the course of the last few years, actor Jared Leto’s career has experienced a significant surge in both credibility and popularity. While his early days had featured small roles in well-known films like The Thin Red Line, Fight Club and American Psycho, it wasn’t until his Oscar-winning turn in 2013’s Dallas Buyer’s Club that Leto’s ability to transform himself onscreen became better known.

Thanks to his most recent role as the Joker in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad, Leto’s fame has once again increased – particularly in the eyes of the comic book/franchise blockbuster crowd. It’s an extremely advantageous and somewhat rare position to be respected as both a serious dramatic actor and a mainstream franchise player, so it’s clear Leto will only want to build on this with his future choices.

Leto’s latest choice, according to Variety, will be the upcoming Blade Runner 2. As of this writing, exactly what role Leto will play in the follow-up to the 1982 sci-fi classic has not been revealed, but he joins an already substantial cast that includes Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright, and Mackenzie Davis.

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Leto has most recently been making headlines for discussing his role in Suicide Squad, but the actor has kept quiet about his involvement in Blade Runner 2. The long-awaited sequel, which has yet to acquire an official title, will be directed by Denis Villeneuve (Sicario) and produced by Ridley Scott. Though plot details have been rather minimal to date, we do know that the story will take place several decades after the original Ridley Scott film, which was set in the dystopian future of 2019.

It will definitely be interesting to see Jared Leto take part in the follow-up to such an influential piece of science fiction moviemaking. It’s hard to deny that the actor is entirely capable of bringing just the right level of grit and coarseness that is required for the sort of dark thriller that Blade Runner 2 may well prove to be.

With the limited concept imagery that has been released so far, as well as a qualified director lined up to bring it to life, hopes for Blade Runner 2 are very high. There’s always a certain amount of risk when creating a sequel to an aged and much beloved film, but casting actors of Leto’s caliber is one way to ensure that, at the very least, this is one sequel that won’t lack for talent.

Blade Runner 2 will see theatrical release in the U.S. on October 6, 2017.

Source: Variety