The live-action Masters of the Universe film from director Travis Knight all set to hit screens worldwide in June this year. Before it releases, the filmmaker has teased a few details on the film's iconic main villain Skeletor, played by Jared Leto.
Knight described Skeletor as a "really interesting villain" and revealed that he let Leto "swing for the fences" with his portrayal of the antagonist. "He looked cool. He was scary. He was funny. He was insecure. And then of course he had this distinctive voice," he said in a recent interview with Empire, adding that he wanted an actor who could craft their own version of the character.
Interestingly, it was Jared who approached the makers to portray the role as he loves Skeletor. "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 added.
The first trailer for Masters of the Universe, which was released last month, showed Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man as he discovers his identity and faces off against Skeletor.
Masters of the Universe is based on Mattel's famous toy line that spawned a successful animated TV series (1983-85) as well as a 1987 film. It centres on Price Adam of Eternia who, thanks to his Power Sword, turns into He-Man and is embued with superhuman strength and abilities, which he uses to defend his native planet and Castle Grayskull.
The upcoming film also stars Camila Mendes as Teela, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Jared Leto as Skeletor, Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms, Sam C Wilson as Trap Jaw, Kojo Attah as Tri-Klops, Hafthor Bjornsson as Goat Man, and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Malcolm/Fisto. Kristen Wiig has lent her voice to the character Roboto.
The script of the film is written by Chris Butler following initial drafts written by David Callaham and Aaron and Adam Nee. It is backed by Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch, as well as Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner.