Skeletor Represents ‘Toxic Masculinity,’ According to Masters of the Universe Movie Director
Travis Knight, director of the upcoming live-action Masters of the Universe film, described villain Skeletor as the embodiment of toxic masculinity in a recent interview, sparking discussions among fans of the classic 1980s franchise.
Here’s the TL;DR...
Director Travis Knight views Skeletor as representing toxic masculinity in the new Masters of the Universe movie.
Jared Leto stars as Skeletor, bringing a fresh take to the iconic skull-faced antagonist.
The film follows Prince Adam‘s return to Eternia to battle Skeletor, set for release on June 5, 2026.
Public reactions on social media lean critical, with many fans questioning the modern spin on the character.
This reboot stays true to the original cartoon’s design while updating the story for today’s audience.
What exactly did Travis Knight say about Skeletor and toxic masculinity?
Knight told Empire magazine that Skeletor embodies toxic masculinity, highlighting the character’s mix of cool, scary, funny, and insecure traits from the original cartoon. He praised Jared Leto‘s approach, noting the actor wanted to “swing for the fences” and created a version Knight is thrilled with. This comment came amid discussions of staying faithful to Skeletor‘s classic skull face, rejecting earlier script ideas for a golden mask.
Knight emphasized Skeletor‘s distinctive voice and emoting skull as key elements. He bluntly dismissed changes to the design, saying, “F*ck that sh*t. Skeletor has a skull face.” The director sees this as essential to the villain’s cartoonish extreme of evil.
Who is playing Skeletor in the 2026 Masters of the Universe movie?
Jared Leto takes on the role of Skeletor, the blue-skinned, hooded nemesis with a skeletal face. Leto approached the team because of his personal connection to the character from the toy line and cartoons. Knight appreciated Leto’s bold vision, which aligns with the film’s goal of a faithful yet evolved portrayal.
This casting follows Leto’s history of transformative roles, like Morbius or House of Gucci. Fans have mixed feelings, but the actor’s commitment suggests a memorable performance.
What is the plot of the new Masters of the Universe film?
The story centers on Prince Adam, who returns to his home planet Eternia after 15 years away, discovering it under Skeletor‘s tyrannical rule. Adam must reclaim the Sword of Power, team up with allies like Teela and Man-At-Arms, and transform into He-Man to save his world. It’s a classic good-vs-evil tale updated for modern viewers.
Skeletor‘s forces have shattered Eternia, forcing Adam to embrace his destiny as the universe’s most powerful man. The plot draws from the 1980s animated series and toy line, emphasizing epic battles and heroic themes.
Knight’s direction promises a blend of nostalgia and fresh action, with visual effects bringing Eternia‘s fantastical elements to life.
Who else is in the cast of Masters of the Universe besides Jared Leto?
Nicholas Galitzine leads as Prince Adam/He-Man, bringing charisma to the dual role of mild-mannered prince and muscle-bound hero. Camila Mendes plays Teela, Adam’s fierce ally and captain of the guard. Idris Elba portrays Duncan/Man-At-Arms, the inventive warrior mentor.
The ensemble includes Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Skeletor‘s cunning lieutenant. Morena Baccarin, James Purefoy, Kristen Wiig, and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson round out the supporting roles. This star power aims to attract both longtime fans and new audiences.
Other notable additions are Charlotte Riley, Sasheer Zamata, and Hafthor Bjornsson, adding depth to Eternia‘s inhabitants and villains.
When is the Masters of the Universe movie releasing, and where can I watch the trailer?
The film hits theaters in the United States and United Kingdom on June 5, 2026, distributed by Amazon MGM Studios domestically and Sony Pictures internationally. A teaser trailer dropped in January 2026, showcasing action-packed footage of He-Man battling Skeletor‘s forces. You can find it on YouTube or official studio channels.
Production wrapped after years of development, moving from Netflix to Amazon. The budget ranges from $170–200 million, promising high-stakes visuals.
How has the public reacted to Travis Knight’s toxic masculinity comment on Skeletor?
Social media buzzed with criticism after Knight’s statement, with many users on X calling it unnecessary identity politics. One poster quipped that Hollywood only has “three themes” to write about, implying overused modern tropes. Others predicted a box office flop, labeling the approach as “agenda-laden.”
Some fans embraced the irony, with one declaring Skeletor a new “literally me” character. Reactions ranged from eye-rolls to outright dismissal, like claims that using “toxic masculinity” shows “a whole lot of b*tch in their blood.” Overall, the comment divided the fanbase, amplifying pre-release debate.
A few posts mocked the idea, suggesting it strips away the trailer’s positive momentum. Despite the backlash, some appreciated the deeper character analysis.
What is the history behind the Masters of the Universe franchise?
The franchise started as a Mattel toy line in 1982, spawning the hit animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe from 1983–1985. It featured Prince Adam transforming into He-Man to defend Castle Grayskull from Skeletor. A 1987 live-action film starred Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and Frank Langella as Skeletor.
Revivals include 2002‘s animated reboot and Netflix’s recent series like Revelation and Revolution. This 2026 version marks the first big-screen outing in nearly 40 years.
Knight, known for Bumblebee and Kubo and the Two Strings, helms this reboot with a script by Chris Butler, the Nee brothers, and David Callaham.
Why is Skeletor such an iconic villain in pop culture?
Skeletor stands out with his skull face, purple hood, and Havoc Staff, symbolizing pure evil in a campy, memorable way. Voiced by Alan Oppenheimer in the original series, his cackling taunts became legendary. The character parodies over-the-top villains while adding insecurity for depth.
In toys and media, Skeletor represents ambition gone wrong, always scheming to seize power. Knight’s take amplifies this, tying it to toxic masculinity themes without altering the core design.
How does this Masters of the Universe reboot differ from previous adaptations?
Unlike the 1987 film’s Earth-bound plot, this version focuses on Eternia, emphasizing Adam’s homecoming and family ties. It rejects earlier development ideas, like a masked Skeletor, for authenticity. The tone blends epic adventure with the cartoons’ silliness.
Knight’s vision incorporates modern elements, like the toxic masculinity angle, while honoring the source material. With a bigger budget and VFX, it aims for spectacle over the ‘87 film’s camp.
Producers include Mattel Films‘ Robbie Brenner and Escape Artists‘ team.
Knight’s comments on Skeletor highlight how classic characters can evolve to reflect current conversations without losing their essence. As the June 2026 release approaches, the film could reignite interest in the franchise or face scrutiny from purists. Either way, it offers a fresh lens on timeless heroism and villainy, potentially setting up sequels if audiences embrace He-Man‘s return.
Hat Tips
Empire Online, “Skeletor Is ‘The Embodiment Of Toxic Masculinity’, Says Travis Knight” — February 6, 2026
Wikipedia, Masters of the Universe (2026 film)
IMDb, Masters of the Universe
Amazon MGM Studios press materials
He-Man Fandom Wiki
Movie Insider
Rotten Tomatoes
People.com
TechEBlog
Radio Times
IGN
Letterboxd
Hollywood Life
X posts from users @Blaugast, @vamp21, @Pirat_Nation, @krupesh89371, @MilkPls68, @comic_basics, @NEWSWATCH937632, @SharanRJ, @lajong11, @SpotsForeva
Article compiled by Newsroom Staff on February 07, 2026 and was fact-checked by Editorial before publication.