Jared Leto’s Process for Discovering His Skeletor Was Way More Complicated Than You’d Think

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It feels like a long time ago that the new reboot struggled to get any attention with its marketing. When it finally did get people talking, it wasn’t for the right reasons. Fans were very critical of the first trailers, especially worried that Jared Leto’s version of Skeletor felt different in tone from previous portrayals.

Ah, , Leto and their fellow castmates.

With the release of the new Masters of the Universe film, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, approaching on June 5, 2026, initial reactions are generating a lot of excitement. What started as some online worry has turned into positive buzz, with many calling the film a must-see. Much of the praise is directed at actor Jacob Elordi, who director Travis Knight says went through an intense process to create his own take on the iconic 1980s villain.

Why Did Jared Leto Change Skeletor’s Aura?

Leto faced a key decision in how to play Skeletor. Should he go with the classic, over-the-top, and funny portrayal – complete with a high-pitched voice, as Alan Oppenheimer delivered it – which is what many fans would anticipate? Or should he take a risk and make Skeletor darker and more genuinely menacing in the Masters of the Universe reboot?

Most sources, including comments from Knight himself, suggest the filmmakers chose this approach, and he explained the thinking behind it before the movie comes out next week. It’s a convincing decision, especially considering the age of 96-year-old Oppenheimer, making it hard to disagree with.

According to Knight, the original Alan Oppenheimer character sounded frightening to match his scary appearance, so the team deliberately created a goofy, comical, and nasal voice to soften the impact of his skull-like face. When discussing the new iteration with Jared, they agreed it was important to respect those original qualities – a unique voice and laugh – without simply copying them.

Masters of the Universe Director on Skeletor: Mimicry Is Not Flattery

Trying to repeat what Oppenheimer did would probably be pointless and would likely cause a negative reaction.

We didn’t want the actor simply imitating Alan Oppenheimer, who originally voiced Skeletor,” Knight explained. “It was crucial that he nail the voice. We spent a lot of time figuring out what Skeletor should sound like, and we landed on something I really love. It’s menacing and dramatic, which are key parts of the character.

He knows that their creative choices for the character could either save or ruin the Masters of the Universe reboot, which would be a major problem for Amazon MGM after a large marketing campaign – including a record-breaking drone show in Los Angeles where Leto’s Skeletor loomed over the city.

According to Knight, Skeletor was constantly performing for attention, but would get frustrated when people didn’t react the way he expected. This stemmed from deep insecurity, which became a core part of his personality. Exploring the contrast between his desire for power and his underlying vulnerability was a really interesting aspect of developing the character.

If Leto’s portrayal of Skeletor doesn’t resonate with audiences when Masters of the Universe is released in early June, both fans and the filmmakers could be disappointed. Many are hoping the early buzz is true and that the movie will be a genuinely enjoyable theatrical experience this year.

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2026-05-27 02:37