By Griff GriffinShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member“He-Man” makes his long-awaited return in the upcoming “Masters of the Universe” film from Amazon MGM.
Directed by Travis Knight (“Kubo and the Two Strings,” “Bumblebee,”), it's poised as one of 2026's biggest releases, and could do for Mattel's classic ‘80s action figure what “Barbie” did back in 2023.
It also boasts a starry cast, including Idris Elba, Jared Leto, Kristen Wiig, and world’s strongest man Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, who plays a giant warrior goat.
...‘Masters of the Universe’ Story
In “Masters of the Universe,” when a young man discovers he's really the prince of an alien planet, he sets off on an epic quest to save it from evil forces.
As per Amazon MGM's official synopsis, “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.”
Who Plays ‘He-Man’ in ‘Masters of the Universe’
Nicholas Galitzine (“Red, White & Royal Blue,” “Cinderella”) stars as He-Man, a sword-wielding superhero from the planet Eternia. His mission is to save it from evil blue-skinned sorcerer Skeletor, played by Jared Leto.
His introduction in the film seems far from heroic, however. In the first and latest trailer, released January 23rd, 2026, we find him working as an ordinary civilian in a drab office on Earth.
“Masters of the Universe” will chart his epic rise from everyman to savior, starting with his reunion with his powerful sword, the Sword of Greyskull.
‘Masters of the Universe’ Cast
“Masters of the Universe” stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam Glenn, otherwise known as He-Man. That’s alongside Idris Elba, Kristen Wiig, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, and James Purefoy.
Here’s the full cast for “Masters of the Universe.”
- Nicholas Galitzine — Prince Adam Glenn / He-Man
- Artie Wilkinson-Hunt — Young Adam
- Camila Mendes — Teela
- Eire Farrell — Young Teela
- Jared Leto — Keldor / Skeletor
- Idris Elba — Duncan / Man-At-Arms
- Alison Brie — Professor Evelyn Powers / Evil-Lyn
- Morena Baccarin — The Sorceress
- Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson — Malcolm / Fisto
- James Purefoy — King Randor
- Charlotte Riley — Queen Marlena Glenn
- Kristen Wiig — Roboto (voice)
- Sasheer Zamata — Suzie
- Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson — Goat Man (motion capture)
- Kojo Attah — Tri-Klops
- Jon Xue Zhang — Ram-Man
- Sam C. Wilson — Kronis / Trap Jaw
‘Masters of the Universe’ Release Date
“Masters of the Universe” is set for release in the US on June 5th, 2026, as confirmed by Amazon MGM Studios.
Principal photography began on January 6th, 2025, in London. It wrapped on June 15th, 2025, as confirmed by Galitzine on the actor’s Instagram.
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