In an exciting development for fans of the franchise, Jared Leto has officially been cast as Skeletor in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Masters of the Universe. This iconic villain, known as the nemesis of He-Man, is set to be brought to life by the talented 30 Seconds to Mars frontman and actor. Leto’s casting was first rumored in September, and it has now been confirmed, raising expectations for his portrayal of this complex character.

Additionally, Deadline has reported that the film, directed by Travis Knight, has expanded its cast to include several other notable actors. Among them are Sam C. Wilson from House of the Dragon, Hafthor Bjornsson of Game of Thrones, and Kojo Attah from In the Grey, who will portray various villains that populate this fantastical universe.

In this adaptation, Sam C. Wilson takes on the role of Trap Jaw, a formidable henchman of Skeletor, renowned for his advanced weaponry and cybernetic enhancements that make him a threat on the battlefield. Meanwhile, Hafthor Bjornsson will bring the character of Goat Man to life, a creature known for its unique and menacing appearance. Kojo Attah is set to portray Tri-Klops, a highly skilled swordsman with a mastery of technology, further enriching the film’s roster of villains.

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Leading the film’s cast is Nicholas Galitzine in the role of He-Man, while Alison Brie will portray Evil-Lyn. The talented Idris Elba joins the cast as Duncan, also known as Man-At-Arms, and Camila Mendes will take on the role of Teela. This diverse and skilled cast promises to bring depth and excitement to the beloved characters.

Under the direction of Travis Knight, known for his work on Bumblebee, the film is based on a script written by Chris Butler. While the intricate plot details remain under wraps, fans are eagerly awaiting more information about the storyline that will unfold in this adaptation of a classic tale.

The Masters of the Universe franchise first captured audiences with its action figures in 1982, showcasing the epic struggle between the valiant He-Man and the nefarious Skeletor. Following the introduction of these characters, the animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe premiered in 1983, leading to numerous adaptations in film and television, keeping the franchise alive and thriving. The upcoming movie is scheduled for release in June 2026, marking a significant milestone after a lengthy journey of nearly two decades to reach the big screen.

Despite previous setbacks, including Netflix’s decision to cancel the project due to budget issues, the film has seen a number of directors, including John Stevenson, Jon M. Chu, and McG, attached to it since 2007. This history adds to the anticipation surrounding the film’s eventual release.

In a statement following Galitzine’s casting announcement, Julie Rapaport, head of film production and development at Amazon MGM Studios, expressed her excitement: “We’re thrilled to bring the beloved ‘Masters of the Universe’ to life and couldn’t be more excited to announce the immensely talented Nicholas Galitzine as our He-Man. Collaborating with Travis Knight, Mattel, and Escape Artists, this reintroduction of the character and his universe promises to be an epic film that will captivate audiences far and wide, even extending to Eternia.”