Following the BBC’s documentary on the criminal sexual misconduct allegations made against Jared Leto, sources have alleged that the actor has been quietly removed as an option for an upcoming movie role. On July 29, the BBC released Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret, featuring allegations from 10 women. Four accused the actor of criminal sexual misconduct when they were teenagers, while others described alleged inappropriate behaviour spanning more than two decades. In a statement shared with Film Shrine on his behalf, Leto “absolutely and categorically” denied the claims, saying, “I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life.” Allegations of sexual impropriety were first published by Air Mail in 2025. The reporter of the story, Elena Clavarino, worked with BBC producer Jessica Sartenaer and Russell Brand: In Plain Sight director Alice McShane for the new investigation. McShane previously theorised why Leto’s career hadn’t been impacted by the claims. But according to multiple sources close to the production of the political thriller Assassination, the actor has been dropped from the project. The insiders told Page Six that the 30 Seconds to Mars frontman was in advanced talks to join the Barry Levinson-directed film in 2025, and that he was “extremely interested” in the role. One source even said it was “seeming like a done deal”. But, they claimed, concerns surrounding the growing number of allegations against the actor eventually outweighed any plans to cast him. One source suggested that the commercial performance of 2025’s Tron: Ares may also have played a role in the decision, but they added, “That may have been an excuse to drop him from the project.” The film itself was launched by co-writer and producer Nicholas Celozzi, and is based on the claims that his great uncle, Chicago mobster Sam Giancana, arranged the assassination of US President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Credit: Public Domain Assassination centres on journalist Dorothy Kilgallen as she investigates the case, with Jessica Chastain set to play her. Other cast members attached in earlier reports include Al Pacino, Brendan Fraser and Bryan Cranston. Right now, the project is in limbo after Celozzi filed a lawsuit against the film’s production company and financier, 308 US, in 2024, alleging multiple breaches of contract over its development. Despite these hurdles, Assassination is still in development, although there’s currently no further news on who may take Leto’s role or when the film will reach cinemas. Film Shrine has contacted Leto’s representatives for comment. For all the latest film and TV updates and hot takes, like our Facebook page. Featured image credit: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock Post navigation Next story
