The long-awaited modern live-action film, Masters of the Universe, is scheduled to premiere in cinemas on June 5, 2026. After years of development, excitement is building as new details emerge about the project, particularly from a special feature in Empire Magazine. The film aims to capture the inherent silliness of the beloved franchise, which started as toys before evolving into a popular cartoon.
Director Travis Knight has emphasized the importance of maintaining the fun tone that defined the original series. He stated, “There’s an inherent silliness to it, which we are acknowledging and embracing. I think it’s a virtue.” This approach is intended to resonate with modern audiences, helping to explain some of the more whimsical elements of the characters. Knight mentioned that the film will address questions such as the origins of certain character names, ensuring they make sense in the context of the story.
Central to the film’s narrative is the character of He-Man, portrayed by actor Nicholas Galitzine. Knight sought an actor who could embody both the empathetic Adam and the strong He-Man, explaining, “I wasn’t looking for a body. I was looking for a soul.” Galitzine dedicated months to training for the role, acknowledging the challenge of achieving the iconic physique associated with He-Man: “Even the animations put Arnold Schwarzenegger to shame… I had four or five months to get in shape. Truly, it was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done.” Despite the challenges, he found joy in donning the costume, stating, “You just become kind of abnormally confident in it.”
The film also features Jared Leto as Skeletor, the notorious antagonist known for his distinctive look and personality. Knight described Skeletor as a complex character who is “cool, scary, funny, and insecure.” Leto, a long-time fan of the franchise, was eager to bring his own interpretation to the role, aiming to make the character resonate with audiences today. Knight noted that Skeletor embodies themes of toxic masculinity, adding depth to his portrayal.
Actor Idris Elba, who plays Duncan/Man-at-Arms, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, citing a strong connection to the franchise from his childhood. He recalled having action figures from the series, such as He-Man and She-Ra, which fueled his excitement for the role: “The cartoons were always a little bit more fun, a bit more camp, a bit more out-there.” Elba praised Knight’s commitment to honoring the original aesthetic while bringing the story to life for a new generation.
The cast also includes notable names such as Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Morena Baccarin as the Sorceress, and other talents like James Purefoy, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Charlotte Riley, Kojo Attah, and Kristen Wiig.
As anticipation builds for Masters of the Universe, the film promises to blend nostalgia with modern storytelling, appealing to both long-time fans and new audiences alike. For those interested in the film’s journey, the special issue of Empire Magazine featuring exclusive insights will be available on newsstands from February 12, 2026, and can also be pre-ordered online.
The path to Eternia is set to begin anew this June, revitalizing a classic franchise for a contemporary audience.
