Jared Leto, renowned for his portrayal of the Joker in Suicide Squad and Zack Snyder's Justice League, is set to embody another iconic villain. The 52-year-old actor has been cast as Skeletor in the forthcoming live-action adaptation of Masters of the Universe, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Masters of the Universe originated as a popular 1980s animated series, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, which was inspired by the Mattel action figure line. The narrative centers on Prince Adam of Eternia, who transforms into the heroic He-Man to defend his realm from the evil sorcerer Skeletor.
Leto's casting as Skeletor adds a significant presence to the film, joining Nicholas Galitzine, who is set to portray He-Man. Galitzine, known for his roles in The Idea of You and Cinderella, expressed his enthusiasm for the role earlier this year, stating on Instagram, "By the Power of Greyskull, I HAVE THE POWER. I’m so beyond proud to announce that I will be playing Adam, Prince of Eternia in ‘Masters of the Universe’."
The film is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films, with a theatrical release scheduled for June 5, 2026. Travis Knight (Bumblebee, Kubo and the Two Strings) is confirmed to direct, bringing his expertise in both live-action and animation to the project. The screenplay is penned by Chris Butler, known for his work on ParaNorman.
In addition to Leto and Galitzine, the cast includes Camila Mendes as Teela, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, and Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms. The ensemble promises a dynamic portrayal of the classic characters, aiming to capture the essence of the original series while introducing them to a new generation.
Leto's portrayal of Skeletor is highly anticipated, given his previous ventures into complex and villainous roles. As the arch-nemesis of He-Man, Skeletor is a character of depth and menace, and Leto's involvement suggests a compelling interpretation that fans are eager to witness.
With a blend of nostalgia and modern filmmaking, the upcoming Masters of the Universe film aims to deliver an epic adventure that honors its origins while engaging contemporary audiences. As production progresses, fans await further updates on this ambitious adaptation.
