Disney boots up new 'Tron' movie starring Jared Leto, hires director

Disney is officially developing a new Tron movie starring Morbius' Jared Leto, who's been on board since 2017.

According to Deadline, which first broke the news, Garth Davis has been tapped to direct. The filmmaker is known for smaller, more independent projects like 2016's Lion and 2018's Mary Magdalene. While this will be his first big-budget undertaking, Deadline cites "insiders," who noted that "Davis aggressively pursued the job and his take won over Disney execs in the end." The studio, it should be noted, has yet to issue a formal green-light for the film.

Nowhere in the report is it mentioned that the latest Tron effort will be a sequel to 2010's Legacy (itself a follow-up to the 1982 original). This seems to confirm that the Mouse House is looking to reboot the franchise, rather than continue it. Jesse Wigutow (It Runs in the Family) wrote the latest draft of the screenplay, while Leto, Justin Springer, and Emma Ludbrook are attached as producers.

Leto himself confirmed the news on Twitter, writing:

"I’m struck with such gratitude for the opportunity to bring this movie to life, especially as both the original video game and the film affected me so deeply as a young child. The fact that I get to be a part of this new chapter is mind-blowing. I am so very excited and proud to confirm that YES - I will be starring in TRON. We will work as hard as we possibly can to create something that I hope you all will love.  We have some very special ideas in store for you all...See you in the grid!"

In the spring, Legacy's director, Joseph Kosinski, discussed the possibility of another installment, saying: "It's still a nice jewel in the crown of Disney IP, and I think there are fans and people petitioning and pushing to continue it inside the halls of Disney. So, I think it could happen ... It's all about timing and the right elements and everything's got to come together for a movie to happen."

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