“That’s a bad sign” - Jared Leto’s casting as Skeletor sparks mixed reactions among Masters of the Universe fans

Jared Leto has been cast as Skeletor in the upcoming Masters of the Universe movie, which will be released in June 2026. The news has divided fans. The actor, known for his varied and often controversial roles, will face the challenge of portraying one of the most iconic villains in pop culture history.

While the film is generating excitement for its star-studded cast, Jared Leto's inclusion has sparked significant debate among fans of the beloved Masters of the Universe franchise. The live-action movie, which will be produced by MGM Studios and Mattel Films, will feature Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, with Idris Elba, Camila Mendes, Sam C. Wilson, Hafthor Bjornsson, and Kojo Attah in various roles.

This film marks the latest attempt to bring the classic Masters of the Universe story to the big screen, following the 1987 movie that starred Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and Frank Langella as Skeletor.

One X user reacted to the news and said,

"That's a bad sign. Not bc Leto is a bad actor, he's not, but his movies seem to always bomb. Even if they're good."

A fan reacts to the Jared Leto casting (Image via X/@hnryjonesjr)

While Jared Leto is an Oscar-winning actor, his recent roles in films like Suicide Squad, Morbius, and House of Gucci have been the subject of much mockery and criticism. These performances, often labeled as over-the-top or out of place, have left a lingering doubt about whether Leto can truly capture the essence of Skeletor.

Here's what the other X users had to say about Jared Leto's casting in Masters Of The Universe film.

"It looks like Jared's the main go to guy for playing villains. Dude played Joker, Morbius and now Skeletor," commented one X user.

"Curious to see what Leto's "Skeletor" will look like. Frank Langella's version used to freak us out as kids!" Commented another X user.

"Great. Another iconic villain role for him to butcher," commented an X user.

While some users also came out in support of Jared Leto and said,

"About time I been wanting to see him in another movie I want to see him on screens again he deserves it his music and touring has been beautiful but I wanna see him act that's his biggest talent," commented one more X user.

"He might have to put on weight to be Skeletor. But I could see it." Commented an X user.

I can see this. Something tells me he will surprise everyone." Commented another X user.

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More about Masters of The Universe as news of Jared Leto cast is announced

Directed by Travis Knight, known for Bumblebee and Kubo and the Two Strings, the film will follow the classic battle between the heroic He-Man and his arch-nemesis, Skeletor. The plot centers around the struggle to Eternia and Castle Grayskull, the universe's power source.

He-Man, who will be portrayed by Nicholas Galitzine, teams up with a group of allies to stop Skeletor from seizing the cosmic power that could allow him to conquer the universe. The movie, which features a star-studded cast that also includes Idris Elba, Camila Mendes, and Hafthor Bjornsson, is set to bring a new take on the legendary characters.

Skeletor, the villain at the heart of the story, is known for his theatrical personality and menacing presence, making him a fan favorite since the original animated series. The movie will aim to capture the essence of Skeletor's dark ambitions while providing a modernized version of the character for a new generation played by Jared Leto.

As little information has been released about the film beyond the casting, Leto's involvement has left fans divided. Some are hopeful that he will bring a fresh, nuanced take on the character, while others are concerned that his style of over-the-top performances might not translate well to Skeletor's larger-than-life persona.

The Masters of the Universe franchise has a storied history, with the original 1980s animated series, toys, and the 1987 live-action film all contributing to the legacy of He-Man and Skeletor. The 1987 movie, which starred Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and Frank Langella as Skeletor, was a commercial and critical disappointment at the time of its release but has since earned a cult following.

Langella's portrayal of Skeletor became a defining element of the film, and fans fondly remember his performance for its intense and dramatic flair.

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Jared Leto was last seen in Haunted Mansion in 2023.