The highly anticipated Masters of the Universe reboot from Amazon MGM Studios just gave fans their first look at Nick Galitzine as He-Man. While excitement is high, controversy is brewing over Jared Leto, who plays Skeletor.
The Masters of the Universe movie is based on the beloved Mattel toy line and the 1980s animated series that made He-Man a pop culture icon. The new film, slated for release on June 5, 2026, aims to reboot the franchise for a new generation. It will be released exclusively in theaters worldwide and stream on Amazon Prime Video at a later date.
It’s been an honor “shouldering the responsibility”
Galitzine, known for roles in Red, White & Royal Blue and Mary & George, confirmed the film’s production wrap in a heartfelt social media post. Alongside a behind-the-scenes photo that showed him in a half-shadowed silhouette, he wrote:
“Well, that’s a wrap on Masters of the Universe. It has been an honour shouldering the responsibility of playing Adam and He-Man. It’s been the role of a lifetime and I put everything into it. There’s not much I can show you, but I am so proud of the movie we’ve made. Thanks to our amazing cast and crew for all your hard work.”
The post generated a wave of support — and speculation — as fans eagerly awaited a full look at the costume and tone of the film.
Amazing cast? Not so much
But while Galitzine’s portrayal of the iconic hero is getting early praise, the casting of Leto as He-Man’s archnemesis Skeletor has ignited serious backlash online.
Leto, long a controversial figure in Hollywood, is facing renewed allegations of sexual misconduct. While none of the accusations have resulted in criminal charges, many fans have taken to platforms like X to express concern over his involvement in a family-oriented franchise.
The accusations against Leto, which include alleged inappropriate behavior with fans and industry insiders dating back over a decade, have circulated for years.
While his team has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the growing online outcry is prompting questions about Amazon’s decision to cast him.
No Amazon comment … yet
Despite the controversy, Amazon has yet to comment publicly on Leto or the backlash. Masters of the Universe is being directed by Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings, Bumblebee) and promises a mix of practical effects and high-end CGI. The cast also includes Camila Mendes as Teela, Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms, and Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn.
With buzz building and concerns mounting, the success of Masters of the Universe may now hinge not just on the power of Grayskull but on whether Amazon chooses to stand by its controversial villain. As fans celebrate their first glimpse of Galitzine’s transformation into He-Man, the shadow of Skeletor may already be casting a darker tone over the film’s future.
Published: Jun 16, 2025 12:49 pm