After showing promise in films such as Requiem for a Dream, Girl, Interrupted and The Thin Red Line, Jared Leto has taken it relatively easy on the acting front the last decade — his last film being 2009’s overlooked Mr. Nobody. Using his time to keep busy with his band 30 Seconds to Mars, he’s now stepped into his first major project in quite some time, as The Hollywood Reporter updates Leto is set to join Dallas Buyer’s Club with Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner.

The actor will be taking over a role previously attached to Gael Garcia Bernal in the HIV/AIDS drama set to be directed by Jean-Marc Vallee (The Young Victoria). The story follows McConaughey as Ron Woodroof, a “homophobe redneck cowboy,” in the actor’s own words, whose HIV contraction led to the life of a mule for experimental remedies during the virus’ early days. While Garner plays Dr. Eve Saks, Leto will be appearing as a HIV-inflicted flamboyant cross-dresser who assists our lead character and is said to be quite a major supporting role.

Shooting kicks off on the $5 million production next week in New Orleans for a likely fall 2013 release.

Are you looking forward to seeing Leto return to acting?

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