Travis Knight Calls Jared Leto’s Skeletor the Ultimate Symbol of Toxic Masculinity in Upcoming “Masters of the Universe” Film
Director Travis Knight is bringing a new look to a classic villain in the upcoming Masters Of The Universe movie. While many people remember Skeletor as a funny, cackling skull from the 1980s, Knight wants this version to feel more modern and meaningful.
According to a recent interview with Empire, the director believes that Jared Leto’s version of the character is a perfect example of toxic masculinity.
Knight told Empire that the original cartoon version of Skeletor was already a very deep character because he was scary and funny, but also very insecure. The director wanted an actor who could take those feelings and turn them into something even bigger. Jared approached us, because he loves Skeletor and has his own history with the character. He wanted to swing for the fences. And ultimately we landed on something that I’m really happy with. Skeletor’s kind of the embodiment of toxic masculinity, Knight explained.
By focusing on toxic masculinity, the film aims to show how Skeletor’s need for power comes from his own ego and his desire to control everything around him. This version of the villain isn’t just a monster; he is a character driven by a toxic need to dominate others to hide his own inner problems.
Knight also made sure the character looked exactly like he should, despite older ideas for the movie that wanted to give him a mask. I said, ‘F*** that s*** Skeletor has a skull face,’ the director stated to Empire. It’s a living, talking, emoting skull, and that’s that.
Jared Leto has been staying very busy with big projects lately. Before taking on the role of the skull-faced villain, he starred in Tron: Ares.
The movie Masters Of The Universe has a huge cast to go along with Leto’s Skeletor. Nicholas Galitzine is starring as Prince Adam and He-Man, and he had to do a lot of weightlifting to get ready for the part. Camila Mendes plays the warrior Teela, and Idris Elba has joined the cast as the legendary Man-At-Arms. Other famous names in the movie include Alison Brie as the evil sorceress Evil-Lyn and Kristen Wiig as the robot character, Roboto.
Discover your true power. Watch the Teaser Trailer for Masters Of The Universe now, and see the movie only in theaters June 5. pic.twitter.com/Wc10XROPRb
— Masters of the Universe (@mastersmovie) January 22, 2026
The story follows a young Prince Adam who was sent away to Earth and lost his magical Power Sword. After twenty years, he finally finds it and has to go back to his home planet of Eternia to save it from Skeletor’s rule. With a huge budget and a mix of old-school fantasy and new ideas, the film is one of the most talked-about movies coming out in 2026. Fans won’t have to wait too much longer to see this battle, as the movie is scheduled to hit theaters on June 5.
Do you think that making Skeletor the “embodiment of toxic masculinity” adds a cool new layer to the villain, or do you prefer him as the classic cackling bad guy from the old cartoons? Share your thoughts in the comments.
