‘Masters Of The Universe’ Embraces He-Man’s Return to the Big Screen

The upcoming Masters of the Universe film is set to explore Prince Adam’s journey towards a new vision, drawing from comics beginning in the early 1980s.

At last after decades of re-imagining and developing, Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Film are moving forward with their new live-action retelling of Master of the Universe. This installment is set to feature a modern reinterpretation of the infamous He-Man, or Adam Glenn. Empire Online released exclusive images from the film, giving us a glimpse at Nicholas Galitzine in the leading role. Production wrapped back in mid 2025, with a release date set for June 5th, 2026.

Directed by Travis Knight, this adaptation draws on to the classic 1980’s Master of the Universe comic, toy line, and animated series.  The story also received feature length treatment in a film directed by Gary Goddard in 1987. Travis Knight is known for his previous work directing Bumblebee and Kubo and the Two Strings. With Knight’s background in both animation and live action, his potential to bring both styles into one project is creative strength that shouldn’t be downplayed with this reboot. Knight says the production had an inherent silliness on set, which the crew is acknowledging and embracing. They are keeping this production as close as they can to the original cartoons and toy line.

With the main story being centered around Prince Adam, Nicholas Galitzine, trasnforming into the heroic He-Man. Unlike other adaptations, this film is expanding on Adam’s backstory by beginning with his exile to Earth as a child and his separation from his magical Power Sword. Over nearly 20 years later, Adam has grown up to become a man on Earth before reclaiming his original heritage in the world of Eternia. There he transforms into He-Man and confronts the evil Skeletor.

Jared Leto will co-star as Skeletor, Camila Mendes as Teela, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, and Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms. This cast is playing their efforts to honor the fans expectations, while introducing the franchise to a new audience who can journey into the world of Eternia. Whether the approach resonates with audiences is yet to be seen, but the film’s commitment to honoring its predecessor marks a notable shift in how legacy IP’s are being adapted.