Jared Leto has reportedly landed the role of Skeletor in the new Masters of the Universe movie and fans aren’t thrilled about the prospect of the divisive actor playing another iconic childhood character.
The new fantasy epic from MGM Studios and Mattel Films is coming to cinemas in June 2026 with Nicholas Galitzine as the heroic He-Man with the cast also featuring Idris Elba, Camila Mendes, Sam C. Wilson, Hafthor Bjornsson and Kojo Attah.
This is the most recent attempt to make another live-action Masters of the Universe film. A previous adaptation of the toy and animated TV series from the 1980s was released in 1987, starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and Frank Langella as Skeletor.
Although He-Man is the central character of Masters of the Universe, Skeletor has become a fan favourite over the decades, due to his over-the-top nature and screechy voice.
Almost no details apart from the casting have been released about the movie, set to be directed by Bumblebee’s Travis Knight, but Leto’s inclusion has sparked a debate amongst fans.
Despite being an Oscar winning actor, Leto has become a figure of mockery amongst film fans due to a series of widely criticised performances in Suicide Squad, Morbius and House of Gucci.
Reacting to the news, some fans tried to see the positive side of Leto’s casting.
One fan remarked: “Jared Leto as Skeletor sounds intriguing! Can’t wait to see his take on the iconic villain.”
Another wrote: “I feel that this role will work really well, considering the Joker he portrayed in Suicide Squad.”
A third said: “Jared Leto will be perfect as Skeletor”.
Elsewhere though, there was plenty of negativity about the casting too. One fan said: “Congratulations, you just killed any interest I had in the portrayal of one of the most iconic hammy villains there is. Why can’t Jared Leto be one of these celebrities who moved outta the country because of a 2nd Trump term?”
A second added: “Skeletor was going to make or break this movie. It needed someone with the aura and a range that could measure up to such an iconic character. Leto doesn’t have it. In fact he’s nowhere close.”
A third person joked: “Leto should definitely play Skeletor with the Gucci accent.”