Jared Leto traverses between good and evil in 'Morbius'

From left, actors Jared Leto, Adria Arjona and director Daniel Espinosa speak during an online press conference for the film, “Morbius” / Courtesy of Sony Pictures

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Jared Leto, who plays supervillain “Morbius” in the Sony Marvel film of the same name said he feels honored to bring the nuanced character to life for very first time.

Leto stars as Dr. Michael Morbius, an acclaimed biochemist with a rare deteriorated blood disease. When he injects himself with what he believes will be his cure, Morbius acquires superhuman strengths and capabilities and turns into a vampire.

In the press conference with Korean reporters, held via Zoom, Leto said he liked the duality of Dr. Morbius.

“He's not exactly a hero or a villain, but something in between…The gray area between good and evil. I think audiences are ready for different takes into a Marvel character. The transformation was already built in the character,” Leto said.

The 50-year-old actor explained that he underwent three stages of transformation for the Marvel character.

“In the beginning, Dr. Morbius looks very sick, frail and fragile. He is nearing the end of his life, desperately searching for a cure. After the injection, there's this healthy, strong version of Dr. Morbius, which then turns into something monstrous. That transformation fascinated me. I appreciated the physical challenge,” he added.

The actor said he was drawn to the complexity of the anti-hero.

“No one is all good. We are all bad. It's more interesting for me as an actor because my character is nuanced. I like the fact that this film is a big Marvel movie, but it dances on the darker side of the moon. It's in the darker corner of the Multiverse, and I think audiences are ready to explore different genres,” he said.

A scene from the film, “Morbius” / Courtesy of Sony Pictures

Actress Adria Arjona, who plays Martine Bancroft, a fellow scientist and the right-hand woman to Dr. Morbius, revealed that she joined the project after going through an audition.

“Martine is a scientist and a doctor who talks with pure conviction. When Morbius transforms, she remains hopeful. She's not so fearful of him. I really enjoyed playing this character,” she said.

Arjona also expressed satisfaction about improved portrayals of Latin American woman and said that she loves the idea of not being sexualized or “put in a tight suit.”

Director Daniel Espinosa opened up on Leto's mind-blowing method of acting. “The fact that I was allowed to do a picture about a true outsider and somebody that's always been on the verge of the universe was interesting. It was like a dream come true to work with Jared, who has such commitment, dedication and talent. It inspired us all,” he said.

Leto also mentioned his endearing interaction with director Espinosa and Arjona. “What I always appreciate about Daniel is his desire to drive to do something and to reach further to elevate the genre and experience. Adria has an absolutely mesmerizing face, and her spirit and personality matches. She was good energy on set,” he said.

“Morbius” will hit local theaters, March 30.