Masters of the Universe: Cast and Trivia with Nicholas Galitzine

The highly anticipated film Masters of the Universe will debut in theaters on June 5, bringing the famous saga of Eternia back to the big screen with a high-profile Hollywood cast. Nicholas Galitzine plays Prince Adam, destined to become He-Man, while Jared Leto takes on the role of Skeletor, the villain who conquered Eternia during the protagonist’s absence. The film stands out for its original narrative premise in which Skeletor has actually won, offering a new perspective compared to previous versions.

Galitzine, known for his role in Red, White & Royal Blue, portrays Adam Glenn, a young man raised on Earth and unaware of his royal heritage. To prepare for the role, the actor underwent an intense physical training program, working closely with director Travis Knight to represent both the fragility of the exiled prince and the strength of He-Man. Jared Leto, on the other hand, underwent a complex makeup and prosthetics process to transform into the fearsome Skeletor, characterized by blue skin and a skeletal appearance.

The supporting cast includes Idris Elba as Duncan, better known as Man-At-Arms, warrior and mentor to the young prince. Camila Mendes plays Teela, captain of the royal guard and skilled fighter, while Alison Brie portrays Evil-Lyn, a powerful sorceress and Skeletor’s second-in-command. The chemistry among the leads forms the core of the narrative, following Adam as he returns to Eternia to confront Skeletor’s tyranny.

Principal photography took place in London between January and June 2025. Director Travis Knight, known for Bumblebee and Kubo and the Two Strings, oversaw the creation of a setting that combines practical sets with advanced visual effects. The production involved production designer Guy Hendrix Dyas, responsible for creating sets such as Castle Grayskull and the city of Eternos, designed with a mix of Gothic architecture and futuristic technology.

The cast expands with James Purefoy and Charlotte Riley as King Randor and Queen Marlena, Adam’s parents. Morena Baccarin plays the Sorceress, the mystical guardian of Castle Grayskull, while Kristen Wiig provides the voice for Roboto, a character that adds lightness to the story. Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, known as the Mountain from Game of Thrones, uses motion capture to bring Goat Man to life. Among the villains are Sam C. Wilson (Trap Jaw), Kojo Attah (Tri-Klops), and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (Fisto).

In January 2026, Amazon MGM Studios released the first teaser, featuring an ’80s aesthetic and references to the original animated series. The official trailer showed action scenes and Galitzine’s transformation into He-Man. In April, at CinemaCon, twenty minutes of footage were screened, including sequences depicting Skeletor’s conquest of Eternia and the royal family’s escape.

The screenplay, rewritten by Chris Butler with contributions from David Callaham, follows Adam as the Sword of Power activates after fifteen years, bringing him back to a planet dominated by Skeletor. The story addresses themes of identity and responsibility, with Adam needing to accept his destiny to free Eternia.

Promotion for the film intensified with ticket sales starting in May and the release of character posters featuring He-Man, Skeletor, Teela, Man-At-Arms, and Battle Cat. The latter appeared in a TV spot, showing He-Man riding the battle tiger with his iconic red cape.

The project represents years of attempts to bring He-Man back to the cinema. After a previous Netflix investment that did not materialize, the film moved to Amazon in 2023. The estimated budget is around one hundred million dollars, with Travis Knight aiming for a high-level production, different from the 1987 film starring Dolph Lundgren. The latter may appear in the new film in an as-yet-unconfirmed role, likely that of King D’Vann Grayskull.