Jared Leto Reportedly Loses Role in Barry Levinson’s “Assassination”
August 31, 2026
Jared Leto was reportedly in advanced talks to join Barry Levinson’s political thriller “Assassination” before producers decided not to cast him. The decision came amid renewed attention on sexual misconduct allegations against the actor, which Leto has denied. The film follows journalist Dorothy Kilgallen’s investigation into John F. Kennedy’s assassination and stars Bryan Cranston and Brendan Fraser.
Jared Leto reportedly lost a major film role. “Assassination” is at the center of the story.
Jared Leto was reportedly in advanced talks to join Barry Levinson’s political thriller “Assassination” before producers decided not to cast him.
The project follows a historic mystery. Journalist Dorothy Kilgallen is central to it.
“Assassination” follows journalist Dorothy Kilgallen’s investigation into President John F. Kennedy’s assassination and the circumstances surrounding her death in 1965.
Leto was reportedly highly interested. Talks had progressed significantly.
According to Page Six, Leto had ongoing conversations with Levinson about joining the film, with the casting reportedly appearing close to completion.
The reported decision came amid allegations. They had drawn renewed attention.
Sources told Page Six that mounting allegations of sexual misconduct contributed to the decision not to move forward with Leto’s casting.
A BBC documentary brought fresh scrutiny. Women described alleged misconduct.
The BBC documentary “Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret” featured accounts from women who alleged sexual misconduct by the actor.
The allegations cover several years. Leto has denied them.
The allegations discussed in the documentary reportedly relate to incidents between 2002 and 2016, while Leto has repeatedly denied the accusations.
“Assassination” already has a notable cast. Bryan Cranston and Brendan Fraser lead the project.
The Barry Levinson film stars Bryan Cranston and Brendan Fraser, with the story centered on Kilgallen’s investigation.
The movie has faced delays before. Production has encountered legal complications.
“Assassination” was previously delayed by a lawsuit involving co-writer and producer Nicholas Celozzi, according to Page Six.
Leto’s replacement has not been announced. The film’s release date is also pending.
There has been no confirmed announcement about who might take the role Leto was reportedly considered for, and the film does not yet have a release date.
The casting story remains unresolved. “Assassination” continues without Leto.
The reported casting change places renewed attention on the film as producers move forward with its established cast and ongoing production plans.