Morbiusdirector Daniel Espinosa has explained why he believesJared Letois the only actor who could do justice to the titular character. As part of a new production release packet forMorbiuscourtesy ofSony, Espinosa heaped praise on the Academy Award-winning actor, and states that casting Leto in the lead role was not really a choice, “it was predestination.”
“Jared Leto was the only actor that could really play the part of Morbius. That wasn’t really a choice – it was predestination. Jared is a beautiful actor to work with – he comes to set fully prepared, completely immersed in his character. He’s become known for his approach to his characters, but it was truly surprising to see how much emotionality he could wrest out of Dr. Michael Morbius. He has a strong dedication, beginning to end, and more than just an actor. He’s a colleague, a partner.”
Leto has becomewell-known for playing transformative roles, with the likes of the recentHouse of Gucciand his Academy Award-winning role in 2013’sDallas Buyers Clubbeing perfect examples of this. Often rendered unrecognizable for his depictions of various characters,Morbiusis all about transformation, as Leto’s Dr. Michael Morbius infects himself with what turns out to be a form of vampirism. The latest installment in the Sony Spider-Man Universe will see Leto undergo multiple transformations as he slowly changes from human to monster and, with this in mind, could be regarded as the peak Jared Leto role.
Jared Leto Also Believes That Morbius is the Perfect Role for Him
Morbiuswill introduce one of the most compelling and conflicted characters in the Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters, as Oscar winner Jared Leto transforms into the enigmatic antihero Michael Morbius. Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder and determined to save others suffering his same fate, Dr. Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. While at first, it seems to be a radical success, a darkness inside him is unleashed. Will good override evil – or will Morbius succumb to his mysterious new urges?
Directed byDaniel Espinosaand written by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless,Morbiusstars Jared Leto alongside Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Jared Harris, Al Madrigal, and Tyrese Gibson. Espinosa is not the only one who believes Morbius is the ideal role for Jared Leto,with Leto himself previously revealing why he too feels that the Marvel antihero is perfect for himand how it plays into his love for transformations.
“Morbius gave me the opportunity to have this character that really makes three pretty significant transformations – He starts off very, very sick searching for a cure disease… then he finds a cure and it becomes powerful and stronger than he’s ever been before,” the actor explained. “Then there is another transformation that happens. It was kind of the perfect role for me. Honestly, I enjoyed it quite a bit.”
Morbiusis scheduled to be released in the United States on June 30, 2025, delayed from an initial July 2020 date primarily due to the ongoing global situation.
