- Primary Subject: Jared Leto in Masters of the Universe
- Key Update: Director Travis Knight revealed Jared Leto's working process during the filming of Masters of the Universe.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: June 5, 2026
- Quick Answer: Jared Leto smeared blood-like makeup over his face on set to terrify his co-stars and help them react to the character before CGI added his skull.
Masters of the Universe director Travis Knight recently revealed the unsettling ritual that Jared Leto did to play Skeletor during filming.
The modern reboot of the '80s fantasy franchise is finally out in theaters after years of anticipation. Leto's performance as the villainous Skeletor is being praised by critics and audiences. Aside from being an Oscar winner, he is notorious for doing method acting on set, and fans are wondering whether he did the same process when he played Skeletor.
How Jared Leto Played Skeletor During Filming of Masters of the Universe?
In an interview with Screen Rant, Knight was asked about his experience working with Leto during the production of Masters of the Universe.
He shared that the Oscar-winning actor would do "something unexpected" every day on the set, as he was committed to playing a villain that would be memorable to audiences.
"He would do something unexpected every single day. In ways that would delight me, that would horrify me, that would make me laugh. But that's part of the character. Skeletor is an iconic villain from the ’80s. He's funny, he's scary, he's intimidating, he's insecure, he looks super cool. And Jared knew that he wanted to swing for the fences with this character," the director said.
"He wanted to make a villain for the ages. And I really do think he succeeded, because he is so much fun to watch. He's so awful, he's so entertaining, and he's just so much fun. And that comes down to getting an actor who is extraordinary at what he does and giving him license to do his thing, which he does."
Knight also revealed that Leto would apply a "blood-like" makeup to his face to make himself look terrifying to the actors he worked with.
"I think the one thing that he did, which I understood why he did it, was he's wearing his prosthetic skeletal muscle suit. He's got the amazing costume on, but it's still just Jared's face because that was all replaced by a CGI skull," he explained.
"But he didn't want the other actors that he was sharing the scenes with to look at him and see Jared. He wanted them to look at him and see something scary. So he would put this kind of blood-like, smeary makeup on his face. So he looked scary as hell."
Knight continued, "He didn't look like Skeletor, but it just gave the other actor something to play off of, which is, as far as I'm concerned, an act of generosity, because he's looking at his other performer and wanting to make sure that they can live in the scene with him."
What is Masters of the Universe About?
In Masters of the Universe, after being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam back to Eternia, where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor. To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela and Duncan/Man-At-Arms, and embrace his true destiny as He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe.
The main cast includes Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Charlotte Riley, Kristen Wiig, Dolph Lundgren, Jared Leto, and Idris Elba.
The film is now showing in theaters worldwide. Stay tuned for details regarding its streaming release at a later time.
Keep it locked on Epicstream, your go-to site for film, TV, and celebrity coverage!