Cover From toy box to toon to live-action—Masters of the Universe is back for a new generation (Photo: Instagram/mastersmovie)
From toy box to toon to live-action—Masters of the Universe is back for a new generation (Photo: Instagram/mastersmovie)
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Meet the cast of ‘Masters of the Universe’, the live-action He-Man film bringing Eternia’s heroes and villains to life
By the power of Grayskull, Masters of the Universe has arrived in live-action form, reimagining the beloved 1980s Mattel toy line and animated series for a new generation, or perhaps for the generation that grew up with the IP. The film embraces the camp, colour and nostalgia of the original universe while adding a contemporary edge, balancing tongue-in-cheek humour with emotional storytelling.
At its centre is Prince Adam’s transformation into He-Man, a hero now even more in tune with vulnerability and empathy than brute force, as he leads the Masters of the Universe in the battle against Skeletor and his Evil Warriors. From heroes to sorceresses and sinister henchmen, the film leans into its fantastical world-building while updating its themes of power, identity and destiny for a modern audience.
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Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man/Prince Adam/Adam Glenn
Thanks to memorable turns in the hit Netflix film Purple Hearts and Prime Video’s contemporary queer romance film Red, White & Royal Blue, Nicholas Galitzine became a household name and a certified “Internet Boyfriend”. More high-profile projects followed, such as the Starz erotic period drama Mary & George alongside Julianne Moore, and Prime Video’s The Idea of You, the age-gap romcom adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name, opposite Anne Hathaway.
In the new live-action Masters of the Universe film, Galitzine plays He-Man, also known as Prince Adam of Eternia, wielder of the Sword of Power. He leads the Masters of the Universe against Skeletor and his forces of evil—and, more pointedly, against toxic masculinity.
He-Man may be a beefcake in a loincloth but the character has always been a pacifist. Galitzine’s He-Man is more inclined to talk things through than throw punches, although he doesn’t hesitate to do so when needed.
As He-Man and Adam, Galitzine gets to flex his muscles—and his surprising comedic timing. His boundless charisma helps him navigate the film’s campier elements without slipping into cheesy territory. It doesn’t hurt that he throws himself into the part completely and looks like he’s having the time of his life doing it.
Next up for the actor is the highly anticipated Red, White & Royal Wedding, the sequel to Red, White & Royal Blue. He also stars as the titular character in The Return of Stanley Atwell and in the Netflix wartime epic The Mosquito Bowl. No word yet on whether Masters of the Universe will be returning for a sequel.
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Camila Mendes as Teela
Above Camila Mendes taps into her inner warrior goddess in ‘Masters of the Universe’ (Photo: Instagram/mastersmovie)
Camila Mendes taps into her inner warrior goddess in ‘Masters of the Universe’ (Photo: Instagram/mastersmovie)
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Before joining the Masters of the Universe film, Camila Mendes first rose to fame as Veronica Lodge in Riverdale, the hit CW teen drama inspired by the characters from Archie Comics. She also famously starred in the Netflix dark teen comedy film Do Revenge, alongside Maya Hawke, and the Prime Video romcom film Upgraded, opposite Archie Renaux.
In the live-action He-Man movie, Camila Mendes plays Teela, Prince Adam’s best friend and adopted daughter of Duncan, also known as Man-at-Arms (played by Idris Elba). Brave, strong and empathetic, she takes on the mantle as one of Eternia's foremost protectors after Adam is sent to Earth and her father withdraws from his duties.
When He-Man is finally reunited with the Sword of Power, Teela brings him back home to reclaim the kingdom. She also plays a pivotal role in helping He-Man embrace his destiny and Man-At-Arms regain his confidence.
Mendes will next be seen in Guy Ritchie’s Viva La Madness with Jason Statham, Jason Isaacs, Vinnie Jones, Ben Foster and Jonny Lee Miller. She also joins Lewis Pullman, Rosario Dawson and Danny Ramirez in Baton, and stars alongside Carlos Lopez Estrada in DED.
Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms/Duncan
Idris Elba is no stranger to larger-than-life fantasy heroes, having previously played Heimdall in Marvel’s Thor movies. He is best known for his role as drug kingpin Russell “Stringer" Bell in the critically acclaimed television series The Wire. For his performance in the BBC’s crime drama Luther, he took home a Golden Globe award. Fans may also recognise him from Beasts of No Nation, Molly’s Game and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
In the Masters of the Universe film, Elba stars as Man-At-Arms, Teela’s adoptive father and one of Eternia's greatest warriors and military strategists. As the King’s trusted general, he is tasked with protecting the kingdom and training the young Prince Adam in combat. When he suffers a crushing defeat at the hands of Trap Jaw and fails to prevent Eternia's fall, Man-at-Arms becomes consumed by guilt and self-pity. His journey in Masters of the Universe ultimately becomes one of redemption.
Fans of Elba can catch him next in the screen adaptation of the YA fantasy novel Children of Blood and Bone, which also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Damson Idris, Viola Davis and Cynthia Erivo. He will also be returning as John Luther in the second Luther film, and will be joining Thor co-star Chris Hemsworth in Extraction 3.
Jared Leto as Skeletor
Jared Leto has played everything from Jordan Catalano in the cult ‘90s teen series My So-Called Life and Oscar-winning role Rayon in Dallas Buyers Club, to Niander Wallace in Blade Runner 2049 and the Joker in Suicide Squad, showcasing a career built on reinvention.
As Skeletor in the new live-action He-Man film, Leto leans into the camp with gleeful abandon, resulting in a pitch-perfect performance that echoes the cartoon character. Sporting a CGI skull for a face, the filmmakers captured his performance and mapped his facial expressions onto the villain, creating a version of Skeletor that is both menacing and delightfully over-the-top.
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Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn
Most viewers know Alison Brie from her roles in the sitcom Community, the acclaimed drama series Mad Men, and in Netflix’s beloved wrestling comedy-drama GLOW. Most recently, she starred alongside her real-life husband Dave Franco in Together, the body-horror film that explores tmarital codependency.
In Masters of the Universe, Brie once again taps into 1980s nostalgia as Evil-Lyn, the powerful sorceress and Skeletor’s most trusted lieutenant. Campy, cunning and wickedly entertaining, she steals nearly every scene she appears in. Whether she is dutifully carrying out Skeletor’s schemes or subtly rolling her eyes at his theatrics, Brie brings wit, charisma and impeccable comic timing to the role. Her portrayal of Evil-Lyn is sharp, funny and easily one of the standout performances in the He-Man film.
Next up, Brie will reprise the role that launched her to fame in Community: The Movie and star in the short film I Am a Gigantosaurus, Actually.
Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress
From Firefly and Serenity to Homeland, Gotham, Deadpool and Greenland, Morena Baccarin has built a career playing memorable characters across science fiction, superhero stories and prestige television.
Baccarin is Masters of the Universe’s The Sorceress, a mysterious figure in the He-Man mythology. As the mistress of Castle Grayskull, she possesses immense magical abilities, ancient wisdom and the power to transform into the falcon Zoar. It is The Sorceress who entrusts a young Prince Adam with the Sword of Power and sends him to Earth to keep him safe from Skeletor. Years later, she provides guidance to He-Man, reminding him where his true power lies.
Fans can look forward to more from Baccarin when she reprises her role as Mickey Fox in the new season of Sheriff Country.
Kristen Wiig as the voice of Roboto
From her Emmy-winning work on Saturday Night Live to the Oscar-nominated screenplay of Bridesmaids, Kristen Wiig has built a career defined by sharp comedy and remarkable versatility. Her credits span television, independent films, Hollywood blockbusters and animated franchises, including Palm Royale, the Despicable Me films and How to Train Your Dragon.
She lends her voice to Roboto in the live-action He-Man film, the smart-talking robot who was a one-time member of the Heroic Warriors before Man-At-Arms reprogrammed her as a domesticated metal housekeeper. When she proves herself a worthy ally, her battle mode is reinstated and she rejoins the action. By the end of Masters of the Universe, Man-At-Arms gives her an upgraded body that’s closer to the 1980s cartoon and Mattel toy design.
Up next, Wiig will star alongside Jonah Hill in the sibling comedy Cut Off and appear opposite fellow SNL alum and comedy legend Bill Murray in Epiphany.
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Fisto
Above Fisto is one of the heroic warriors of ‘Masters of the Universe’ (Photo: Instagram/mastersmovie)
Fisto is one of the heroic warriors of ‘Masters of the Universe’ (Photo: Instagram/mastersmovie)
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The Icelandic actor, who appeared as Copperhead in Captain America: Brave New World, had a recurring role as tech executive Oskar Gudjohnsen in Succession and starred as Olaf Haraldsson in Vikings: Valhalla, brings Fisto to life in Masters of the Universe. Fisto is a formidable warrior and loyal ally of He-Man, instantly recognisable by his signature metallic right hand.
Jon Xue Zhang as Ram Man
Above Ram Man is the “human battering ram” (Photo: Instagram/mastersmovie)
Ram Man is the “human battering ram” (Photo: Instagram/mastersmovie)
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Actor and stunt performer Jon Xue Zhang, who was worked on films including Marvel’s Eternals and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, plays Ram Man, named for his appearance and ability to function as a battering ram. One of the Heroic Warriors, he joins He-Man in the fight to reclaim Eternia from the clutches of Skeletor.
Sam C. Wilson as Trap Jaw
Above Trap Jaw and Man-At-Arms go head-to-head early the ‘Masters of the Universe’ film (Photo: Instagram/mastersmovie)
Trap Jaw and Man-At-Arms go head-to-head early the ‘Masters of the Universe’ film (Photo: Instagram/mastersmovie)
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Sam C. Wilson’s television and film credits include Dodger, House of the Dragon, Deep Cover and House of Guinness. He portrays the villainous Trap Jaw in Masters of the Universe, one of Skeletor’s top henchmen. Trap Jaw plays a pivotal role in Man-At-Arm’s character arc and is the first Evil Warrior He-Man goest toe-to-toe with in the film.
With its blend of nostalgia, camp spectacle and a fresh emotional core, Masters of the Universe reintroduces Eternia to a new generation while paying homage to its cult origins. Anchored by a charismatic ensemble cast and a self-aware tone, the film reimagines He-Man’s world for today’s audiences without losing the playful spirit that made it iconic.
Maggie Adan is a content writer, editor, and strategist with extensive experience across print, digital, and social media publishing. Formerly editor-in-chief at K-Zone Philippines, Summit Books and Content Lab, she has written lifestyle stories covering everything from entertainment and travel to beauty and wellness. A storyteller at heart with a keen editorial eye and a passion for narrative, she contributes to various publications and helps brands create and curate content for their social media platforms.
