Long before the word "cult" was known, Oscar-winning actor Jared Leto had amassed a fiercely loyal fan following through his music, films, and creative projects and collaborators like Daren Aronofsky, Kanye West, and more. Leto and his brother, Shannon Leto, also co-founded Thirty Seconds to Mars in 1998. Now, the “cult” tag that surrounds Leto is largely due to the 2019 retreat on Mars Island in Croatia. 

Hundreds of Thirty Seconds to Mars fans, called the Echelon, attended the three-day music festival in 2019. However, it garnered rumors and speculations since not much was known about it. It is this unusually devoted fan community that links Thirty Seconds to Mars with the so-called “cult of Jared Leto.”

Supporters viewed the gatherings as a celebration of fan culture, while critics saw them as an indication of a mysterious and exclusive inner circle. Photos of Leto and attendees in white robes went viral online. Additionally, similar themes were incorporated into several of Thirty Seconds to Mars’ music videos, most notably 'The K*** (Bury Me)', 'From Yesterday', 'Hurricane,' which marked Leto's collaboration with Kanye West, and 'Up in the Air'.

Beyond the devoted Echelon fan base, Leto's creative universe has also been shaped by key collaborators like Gucci's Alessandro Michele and music producer Willo Perron. Darren Aronofsky, Kanye West, Emma Ludbrook, David Fincher, and the duo Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell were also part of the "cult."

Over the years, they developed a close relationship with fans through music, tours, exclusive events, and interactive experiences. As the Echelon became more committed, it began to use “cult” as a label and even playfully embraced it. 

While the Mars Island retreats sparked headlines and fueled public speculation, Leto's influence extends far beyond the controversy.

How Jared Leto built a devoted following through music and art

With Thirty Seconds to Mars, Jared Leto created a unique sound that blends alternative rock with cinematic and experimental influences. Leto has also become known for incorporating visual storytelling into his artistry as well. This includes directing videos, films, and other forms of media.

Additionally, he has also left his mark on fashion, film, and modern art. He has worked with top designers, filmmakers, and creative agencies to develop a unique public persona. As a result, he is considered one of the best-known creative individuals within the entertainment industry.

Furthermore, his film career has been as varied as his work in music. Over the years, he has taken on challenging roles in critically acclaimed films such as Requiem for a Dream, Fight Club, Dallas Buyers Club, Blade Runner 2049, and House of Gucci. He won an Academy Award for his role in Dallas Buyers Club and has become one of the most unique and unconventional actors in Hollywood.

However, critics started reprimanding him for “the cult of Jared Leto”, which is not really a club, but rather a fandom. It was created by the band Thirty Seconds to Mars, as well as by the artist’s withdrawal from Mars Island. Regardless of whether one views this as a new phenomenon of fan movement or just extreme celebrity, this phenomenon continues to fascinate.

Can the mystery surrounding Jared Leto's inner circle ever be fully separated from his artistic legacy? Let us know in the comments. 

Written by

Bias Sinha