The upcoming live-action adaptation of Masters of the Universe by Mattel and Amazon MGM has garnered attention for its impressive cast. According to a report from Variety, actor Jared Leto, known for his roles in Morbius and House of Gucci, is set to take on the role of Skeletor, the iconic skull-faced sorcerer and archrival of He-Man. Nicholas Galitzine, who has appeared in Bottoms and The Idea of You, will portray He-Man in this exciting new venture.
The cast also features Sam C. Wilson (House of the Dragon), Kojo Attah (The Beekeeper), and Hafthor Bjornsson (Game of Thrones), who will be playing Trap Jaw, Tri-Klops, and Goat Man, respectively—three of Skeletor’s formidable henchmen. With Leto and these actors on board, the film is shaping up to be a star-studded affair that includes Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Skeletor’s right hand; Idris Elba as Duncan/Man-At-Arms, a loyal ally of He-Man; and Camila Mendes as Teela, the fierce adopted daughter of Man-At-Arms.
While the details of the plot remain under wraps, it is anticipated that the film will closely follow the theme of its original Mattel toy line and the 1983 animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. The story centers around Prince Adam from Eternia, who, wielding the Power Sword, transforms into He-Man, a warrior dedicated to protecting Eternia and Castle Grayskull from malevolent forces like Skeletor and Evil-Lyn.
A fresh cinematic interpretation of the Masters of the Universe franchise has been in development for years in Hollywood. However, with talent like Galitzine, Leto, Brie, Elba, and more now attached to the project, it is becoming increasingly real. Should this iteration materialize, it will mark the second live-action film adaptation of the beloved series.
The first film, released in 1987, featured Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and Frank Langella as Skeletor but was met with disappointing reviews and poor box office performance. Fans are hopeful that this new Masters of the Universe will succeed where its predecessor faltered.
Travis Knight, known for his work on Kubo and the Two Strings and Bumblebee, will direct the feature. Both films received acclaim, and Knight’s experience with toy-to-film adaptations could prove invaluable for this project. Leto brings significant experience to the role, having portrayed villains like Morbius and The Joker, making him a fitting choice for Skeletor. Before immersing himself in the world of Eternia, he will appear in the upcoming 2025 film, Tron: Ares.
Masters of the Universe is scheduled to hit theaters on June 5, 2026.
