It looks like the long-awaited He-Man film has finally its He-Man. Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel, Inc. announced today that actor Nicholas Galitzine, best known for his work in Red, White & Royal Blue, The Idea of You, and Mary & George, has been tapped to star as He-Man in the live-action Masters of the Universe film from Amazon MGM Studio and Mattel Films.
Based on the iconic franchise from Mattel, the film will be directed by Travis Knight with Chris Butler working on the script. Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, and David Callaham worked on an earlier draft. Details for the long-awaited film are still under wraps.
MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE LIVE-ACTION FILM FINALLY MOVING FORWARD
The Masters of the Universe franchise was introduced in 1982. It centers on the battle between the heroic he-Man (Prince Adam of Eternia) and the evil Skeletor. Later on, the animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe premiered, becoming one of the first children’s programs to be syndicated on television during its two-season run. Due to its popularity, the character appeared in various media, such as comics, television, and merchandise.
The character was created by designer Mark Taylor who based the character on his childhood drawings. One of his designs was used by Mattel designer Roger Sweet in his pitch to Mattel for a new action figure line. There were different designs for the characters such as a soldier, spaceman, and barbarian. The iconic barbarian version was chosen and eventually developed.
Due to the popularity of the series, it increased the selling of Mattel’s toys and was a hit success in the 1980s, which gained 9 million viewers in its first year in the USA alone and was broadcast to at least 37 countries. The success led to a feature-length movie He-Man and She-Ra: The Secret of the Sword, a spin-off/sister series She-Ra: Princess of Power, and a primetime, hour-long Christmas special, He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special.
According to Julia Rapaport, the head of film production and development at Amazon MGM Studios, they are excited to see the Masters of the Universe come to life. She stated the following:
“We’re thrilled to bring the beloved Masters of the Universe to life and couldn’t be more excited to announce the immensely talented Nicholas Galitzine as our He-Man. Joining forces with director Travis Knight, Mattel, and Escape Artists, this reintroduction of the character and his universe will be an epic film that will delight audiences from here to Eternia.”
-Julia Rapaport (Head of Film Production at Amazon MGM Studios)-
Mattel Films’ President, Robbie Brenner added that “Mattel Films is proud to work with Amazon and team up again with the incredible Courtenay Valenti, to bring Masters of the Universe to the big screen. We are thrilled to be producing alongside the highly respected and prolific Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch, with the visionary Travis Knight, and the charismatic and talented Nicholas Galitzine, our Prince Adam/ He-Man!”
Galitzine recently starred opposite Anne Hathaway in Prime Video’s highly acclaimed romantic comedy, The Idea of You. The film is based on a novel by Robinne Lee and it garnered the #1 rom-com debut of all time, attracting nearly 50 million worldwide viewers in its first two weeks. The actor also starred in last year’s most highly popular queer rom-com Red, White & Royal Blue. T
he studio recently announced that a sequel is currently in development. Galitzine spoke about his portrayal of He-Man by posting about it on his Instagram saying, “I’m so beyond proud to announce that I will be playing Adam, Prince of Eternia in Masters of the Universe. It has been a dream for so long to play someone of his heart, humor, and heroism. I cannot wait to get started.”
Finally, after years of development purgatory, it looks like the live-action project is finally starting to take shape. It should be interesting to see who lands other characters, such as Skeletor, Teela, Man-At-Arms, and more. The film is reportedly expected to hit theaters on June 5, 2026. While Amazon MGM Studios is producing the film, it’s still expected to receive a theatrical release.
What do you guys think? Are you excited to see Nicholas Galitzine portray the most powerful man in the universe on the big screen? Are you a He-Man and the Masters of the Universe fan? Who do you think should play Skeletor? Let us know and don’t forget to check out our Discord and socials! If you like this article, make sure to follow us for more content.
SOURCE: Mattel, Amazon MGM Studios
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