Jared Leto to Play Andy Warhol in Upcoming Film

Jared Leto took to Instagram Saturday to announce he will play famed artist Andy Warhol in an upcoming film.

"Yes it's true I will be playing Andy Warhol in an upcoming film," Leto wrote to the platform, adding he was "grateful and excited about the opportunity."

Andy Warhol died in 1987 at the age of 58. He was open about his homosexuality at a time when codified LGBTQ+ rights were but a dream. He was a prominent figure in the counterculture movement sweeping the nation in the 1960s. His works include illustrated panels of Marilyn Monroe known at The Marilyn Diptych, and his depictions of Campbell's Soup Cans. Warhol's work often times explored the intersectionality of advertising, celebrity culture, and artistic expression.

While Leto didn't tell the details of the projects, Page Six pointed to a 2016 report from The Hollywood Reporter where Leto was announced to star in and co-produce a biopic entitled Warhol. Michael De Luca of The Social Network and Captain Phillips was announced to co-produce, while Boardwalk Empire creator and author of The Wolf of Wall Street Terence Winter was tabbed to pen the script. Warhol: The Biography by Victor Bockris was to be used as the jumping off point for the script. It was unclear if the announcement made by Leto referred to this project or a new one.

Leto is an actor and musician with an eclectic list of roles. He first gained fame as Jordan Catalano in the television series My So-Called Life, before moving on to roles in Fight Club, American Psycho, and Suicide Squad. He won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of a transgender woman in Dallas Buyers Club. Leto is a method actor known for staying in character throughout filming.

The announcement was made on Warhol's birthday. He would have been 92 on Saturday.

RELATED | 7 Actors Who Played Andy Warhol