The filmmaker behind the anticipated Masters of the Universe movie shared insights on how Jared Leto’s portrayal of Skeletor will differ from previous incarnations of the character.
In a group discussion that ScreenRant attended, Travis Knight, the director, discussed his fresh take on the notorious antagonist Skeletor for the upcoming reboot of Masters of the Universe. The character was originally voiced by Alan Oppenheimer in the classic television series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and She-Ra: Princess of Power.
Knight initially noted that Oppenheimer’s voice for Skeletor was intentionally “silly, comical, nasal” to soften his intimidating look. However, Knight aimed for Leto’s rendition to avoid mere imitation, focusing instead on honoring the essence of Oppenheimer’s portrayal while bringing a unique vocal quality to the role.
“Getting the voice right was crucial,” Knight stated. “There was a thorough exploration to discover, ‘What should Skeletor sound like?’“
“Skeletor has always been a standout villain from the ’80s, combining elements of fear, humor, and intimidation, which made him uniquely compelling. The original voice by Alan Oppenheimer was crafted for a children’s show where a less frightening voice was necessary for a character with a skull face. So, in discussions with Jared, we aimed to maintain the character’s rich attributes, including his distinctive voice and laugh, but we steered clear of simple mimicry. We wanted more than an impression of Oppenheimer. It was crucial for Jared to nail the voice, so we took our time to explore various possibilities for what Skeletor would sound like,”
The collaboration between Knight and Leto resulted in a voice that will soon be unveiled in the new Masters of the Universe film, described by Knight as having “menace” and “theatricality.” The pair aimed to depict Skeletor not only as a showman but also as an “insecure, power-hungry man,” which they found fascinating to explore and dramatize.
Knight believes the new Skeletor retains his iconic status, being both terrifying and amusing, adding, “He’s scary, he’s dreadful, yet incredibly enthralling.”
“Ultimately, we achieved a portrayal that I adore because I think it captures Skeletor’s essence of menace and theatrical flair. Skeletor is always performing, often left frustrated by the reactions he receives. At his core, he’s profoundly insecure, which feeds into his thirst for power. This depth made him an exciting character to develop. He’s not only fun to watch but also complex and multi-dimensional,”
After Oppenheimer set the standard for Skeletor’s voice, several actors have since embodied the role, including Campbell Lane, Brian Dobson, Mark Hamill, and Benjamin Diskin in various adaptations of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.
Previously, the Masters of the Universe was adapted into a 1987 live-action film by director Gary Goddard, with Frank Langella as Skeletor. Despite Langella’s established acting credentials, the film was not a commercial success, garnering only $17 million at the box office and a 21% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Now, Jared Leto steps into the role of the fantasy villain in Knight’s rendition of Masters of the Universe. Leto has a diverse acting background, including roles in My So-Called Life, Fight Club, American Psycho, Requiem for a Dream, Dallas Buyers Club (which brought him an Oscar, Golden Globe, and SAG Award), Suicide Squad, Blade Runner 2049, House of Gucci, Morbius, and Tron: Ares.
Masters of the Universe is projected to make a $35 million debut weekend.
Masters of the Universe will premiere in theaters on Friday, June 5, 2026.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
