Masters of the Universe: Jared Leto takes on the role of Skeletor
The film is due to be released in cinemas on June 5, 2026
He-Man should dress warmly! According to Variety, Oscar winner Jared Leto will take on the role of Skeletor in the "Masters of the Universe" real-life film adaptation.
Jared Leto is known for playing quirky villains in major studio productions. His previous roles include the Joker in "Suicide Squad", a diabolical CEO in "Blade Runner 2049" and the title role in "Morbius". It is likely that Leto and some of his co-stars will use motion-capture CGI to portray their roles in "Masters of the Universe". In the 1987 live-action film adaptation, however, make-up was used to transform Frank Langella into Skeletor.
The cast of Skeletor's henchmen is also known: Sam C. Wilson will play Trap Jaw, Kojo Attah will portray Tri-Klops and Hafthor Bjornsson will take on the role of Goat Man. The cast also includes Alison Brie as Skeletor's lieutenant Evil-Lyn, Camila Mendes as Teela, and Idris Elba in the role of Teela's father Man-at-Arms.
In terms of content, "Masters of the Universe" revolves around Prince Adam, who first crash-lands on Earth in a spaceship as a child and loses the magical Sword of Power in the process. Two decades later, he finds the sword again and returns to Eternia. But his home planet is in a grim situation: the tyrannical Skeletor and his army are spreading chaos and terror. The leading role of Prince Adam is played by Nicholas Galitzine.
The blockbuster is directed by Travis Knight. The screenplay was written by Chris Butler. "Masters of the Universe" will be released in cinemas on June 5, 2026.
Jared Leto's best-known films: a career between art and extremes
Jared Leto is one of the most versatile actors of his generation. The Oscar winner has made a name for himself through his transformative approach, his choice of challenging roles and his commitment to the arts. From blockbusters to indie dramas, Leto's filmography is as fascinating as it is diverse. Here are some of his best-known films that define his career.
1. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
In Darren Aronofsky's dark masterpiece, Jared Leto plays a young Harry Goldfarb who, along with his girlfriend (Jennifer Connelly) and best friend (Marlon Wayans), falls into the abyss of drug addiction. The psychological depth that Leto brings to this role made him one of the most sought-after actors of the 2000s. The physical dedication – Leto lost around 13 kilograms for the role – underlines his willingness to fully immerse himself in his characters.
2. Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
With his role as Rayon, an HIV-positive trans woman, Leto reached a high point in his career. Alongside Matthew McConaughey, who also delivered an Oscar-winning performance as AIDS patient Ron Woodroof, Leto brings emotional depth and humanity to the character of Rayon. For the role, he once again lost a lot of weight and dealt intensively with the LGBTQ+ community. His portrayal was rewarded with an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and is considered one of the most memorable performances of the last decade.
3. Suicide Squad (2016)
In David Ayer's comic book adaptation, Leto took on the iconic role of the Joker. His version of the famous villain was a radical reinterpretation: anarchic, punk and dangerously eccentric. Although the film itself received mixed reviews, Leto's Joker became one of the most talked-about elements. His methodical approach – including bizarre gifts to his co-stars – made headlines behind the scenes.
4. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
In Denis Villeneuve's sequel to the sci-fi classic, Leto plays blind billionaire and replicant manufacturer Niander Wallace. Although he only has limited screen time, his portrayal leaves a lasting impression. Wallace is cold, manipulative and deeply philosophical – a character that fits perfectly into the dystopian world of Blade Runner. Leto had himself artificially blinded for this role in order to fully immerse himself in the character.
5. Morbius (2022)
In the title role of Morbius, Jared Leto embodies the brilliant scientist Dr. Michael Morbius, who becomes a living vampire after an experiment goes wrong. The film, set in the Marvel universe, received mixed reviews, but Leto's dedication to the role was once again evident. The film showed a new facet of his talent as he mastered the tightrope walk between anti-hero and monster.
6. House of Gucci (2021)
In Ridley Scott's drama about the tragic intrigues within the Gucci family, Leto plays the eccentric Paolo Gucci. Under a heavy layer of make-up and prosthetics, Leto delivers an over-the-top, theatrical performance that polarized opinion. While some critics found his portrayal over the top, others praised the complexity he brought to the character.
7. Fight Club (1999)
Although Leto only has a supporting role in David Fincher's cult film, his portrayal of Angel Face, a member of Tyler Durden's (Brad Pitt) anarchist group, remains unforgettable. A scene in which Edward Norton's character beats up Angel Face is particularly brutal – a moment that shows Leto's versatility and physical dedication.