Leto brings a bit of ‘method’ to the tale of ‘Morbius’

Above : Jared Leto stars in “Morbius,” which opens wide on Friday. (Photo/Sony Pictures)

So many actors have subscribed to the “method” approach to acting , it’s hard to keep count. For some of them, say Marlon Brando and Dustin Hoffman, the result can be acting awards – both won Oscars, twice.

Jared Leto doesn’t hold anywhere near the same status as either Brando or Hoffman, even if he did score a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for 2013’s “Dallas Buyers Club.” But he has shown his commitment to “method” through his performances as The Joker (first time in 2016’s “Suicide Squad”) and more recently as a pot-bellied, balding Paolo Gucci in last year’s “House of Gucci.”

Leto now is starring as the title character in the film “Morbius,” which opens wide on Friday. He stars as Dr. Michael Morbius, a scientist who tries to cure his own blood disease by, basically, turning himself into … yes, a vampire.

But true to his Marvel Comics origins , Morbius isn’t just any vampire. While he doesn’t suffer any of the typical vampire weaknesses, he does have superpowers. And a conscience about having to rely on human blood for sustenance.

Directed by Daniel Espinosa, and based on the Marvel Comics series created by Roy Thomas, “Morbius” had been planned as a July 2020 release but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

No advance critics’ reviews are available, never a good sign. But some initial public reactions are … well, let’s just wait and see.

I’ll update as the week progresses.