First, it’s He-Man using pronouns, and now Skeletor is back, and apparently, he’s not just a villain anymore, but a walking symbol of “toxic masculinity.”
That’s how Masters of the Universe director Travis Knight is now framing Jared Leto’s version of the iconic villain in the upcoming reboot.
Yes, really.
A faithful recreation?
In an interview with Empire, Knight revealed that Leto’s take on Skeletor will be a “faithful recreation” of the classic character — skull face and all — but with a modern psychological twist: “Skeletor’s kind of the embodiment of toxic masculinity,” Knight said, without a hint of irony.
The timing couldn’t be more awkward.
Leto, whose reputation has been clouded by a long trail of allegations ranging from predatory behavior to sexual assault accusations — some of which have recently resurfaced — is now apparently the poster child for toxic male archetypes.
The idea that Leto would portray a villain steeped in insecure, domineering energy seems less like a creative decision and more like… typecasting? And get this, it was Leto who went after the role.
Knight said Leto actually sought out the role because of his deep affinity for the character. “He wanted to swing for the fences,” Knight added. “And ultimately we landed on something that I’m really happy with.”
But framing Skeletor as a symbol of “toxic masculinity” in today’s cultural climate — and casting a polarizing actor like Leto in the role — feels like a PR disaster waiting to happen. Especially considering the movie is being marketed on nostalgia and childhood iconography.
To date, Leto hasn’t been involved in any of the marketing, and he hasn’t even shared the trailer with his 11.7 million followers on Instagram.
Knight Keeps It Classic?
While Skeletor may be going woke, at least he will look cool doing it. Knight seems committed to nailing the aesthetic, rejecting earlier script ideas where Skeletor wore a golden mask.
“I said, ‘F*** that s***. Skeletor has a skull face,’” Knight told Empire. “It’s a living, talking, emoting skull, and that’s that.”
Masters of the Universe opens in theaters June 5, 2026, also starring Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam and He-Man, with Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms, Camila Mendes as Teela, and more.
