Tags: Masters of the Universe, Movie News The upcoming live-action Masters of the Universe movie that arrives in theaters on June 5, 2026 has brought in a lot of fresh buzz – not just for its casting but also the new creative direction being taken with its main bad guy. When discussing the film interpretation of Skeletor, now played by Jared Leto, director Travis Knight has said he represents an “incarnation of toxic masculinity” in a nod to a more contemporary take on the beloved baddie.
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Knight said in an interview with Empire Magazine that Skeletor, one of pop culture’s most iconic villains, was intended to a complex antagonist who mixes classic evil with psychological depth. She added that the character had been designed to appeal to modern audiences while still retaining the tone of original source material. Since other major names are previously associated with other popular characters, Jared Leto was cast as this role for his conviction to the roll and his understanding of Skeletor’s place in the franchise.
Beyond the striking visual — one that includes the classic bony visage everyone associates with Skeletor — Knight said that the character’s personality and place in the story is very much informed by traits often seen as indicative of toxic masculinity. This includes aspects of domination and insecurity, as well as themes of antagonistic power plays that drive Skeletor’s battle with hero He-Man and his friends.
Other cast members include Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam, who transforms into the valiant He-Man, along with Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, Morena Baccarin and Idris Elba. The plot involves Prince Adam, the original film’s protagonist who reclaimed his identity as He-man after retrieving a lost Power Sword and traveled back to Eternia to confront Skeletor’s hordes.
Knight’s comments have fans and commentators already discussing how the film melds conventional fantasy elements with modern, character-driven framing. With the film due for release, Masters of the Universe is still one of 2026’s most hotly-awaited blockbuster movies.
