Jared Leto lost a significant role in the upcoming political thriller “Assassination” due to mounting sexual misconduct allegations, according to multiple sources close to the production. The film, directed by Barry Levinson, was reportedly in advanced talks with Leto for a role in 2025 before production ultimately decided against casting him.
Sources indicated that Leto was enthusiastic about joining the project and had been in ongoing discussions with Levinson, with one insider describing the potential casting as "seeming like a done deal." However, internal discussions among production executives and Levinson acknowledged existing allegations against the actor prior to initial talks.
The increasing number of sexual misconduct allegations made it impossible to proceed with casting Leto, a source close to the production claimed. Another insider suggested that the underperformance of the 2025 film “Tron: Ares” might have been cited as a reason, but this could have served as a pretext to drop him following a 2025 Air Mail article detailing accusations from nine women.
"Assassination" focuses on the true story of journalist Dorothy Kilgallen, who was investigating the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and died under mysterious circumstances. The film's cast includes Bryan Cranston and Brendan Fraser. Production was previously delayed by a lawsuit from co-writer and producer Nicholas Celozzi, but the film is expected to move forward.
This development comes shortly after the premiere of the BBC documentary “Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret,” which featured ten women detailing allegations of sexual misconduct against the actor. These alleged incidents occurred between 2002 and 2016, when the accusers were between 16 and 18 years old, and Leto was in his 30s and 40s. The documentary and the Air Mail article have brought renewed attention to accusations, though the New York Post had reported on similar claims involving teen models in 2005.
Leto has consistently denied the allegations presented in both the Air Mail article and the recent documentary. Representatives for Leto did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
It is not yet known if another actor will be cast in the role Leto was being considered for, and the film has not yet received a release date.