By the power of Grayskull, Amazon MGM Studios has unleashed the first look at Masters of the Universe, bringing the iconic ’80s fantasy world of Eternia back to life in live-action form. Nicholas Galitzine (Bottoms, The Idea of You) takes on the mantle of Prince Adam, who must reclaim the legendary Sword of Power and confront the dark reign of Skeletor, played by Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club, Blade Runner 2049).
Joining Adam on this perilous journey are Camila Mendes as Teela, Idris Elba as Duncan/Man-At-Arms, and an ensemble including Alison Brie, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, and Charlotte Riley. Kristen Wiig lends her voice to the heroic robot ally Roboto.
Directed by Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings, Bumblebee), the story expands the classic tale with a screenplay by Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, and Dave Callaham. The narrative explores themes of legacy, destiny, and the burden of power as Adam embraces his role as He-Man to defend his fractured world.
The live-action He-Man adaptation has been in development for well over a decade, with multiple studios, directors, and screenwriters attached and then leaving the project. Starting with John Woo in 2007, the rights moved from Warner Bros. to Sony, with a series of potential directors including Jon M. Chu, McG, and David S. Goyer, and several script rewrites along the way. Netflix acquired the rights in 2022 and cast Kyle Allen as He-Man, but the film was ultimately cancelled in 2023 after $30 million in development due to budget concerns, leaving Mattel to seek a new studio and the Nee brothers to depart as directors.
Masters of the Universe will hit U.S. theaters on June 5, distributed by Sony Pictures International Releasing and a full trailer will drop tomorrow.
