Quick Read
- The first full trailer for the live-action ‘Masters of the Universe’ film has been released by Amazon MGM Studios.
- Nicholas Galitzine stars as Prince Adam/He-Man, with Jared Leto as Skeletor.
- The film is directed by Travis Knight (‘Bumblebee’) and is set for a theatrical release on June 5, 2026.
- Idris Elba plays Duncan/Man-At-Arms, and Camila Mendes portrays Teela, alongside Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn.
- The movie is part of Mattel’s expanded strategy for toy-to-screen adaptations following the success of ‘Barbie’.
Amazon MGM Studios has unveiled the first full trailer for the highly anticipated live-action ‘Masters of the Universe’ film, offering fans a dynamic glimpse into the reimagined world of Eternia and its iconic characters. The trailer, released Thursday, showcases Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man and Jared Leto as Skeletor, building excitement for the movie’s theatrical debut on June 5, 2026, and marking a significant return for the beloved Mattel franchise to the big screen. Directed by Travis Knight, known for his work on ‘Bumblebee’ and ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’, the film promises an epic adventure that blends nostalgia with a fresh narrative approach.
First Look at Eternia’s Heroes and Villains
The newly released trailer provides a comprehensive introduction to the film’s central figures and its unique visual style. Nicholas Galitzine, acclaimed for his roles in ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ and ‘The Idea of You’, embodies Prince Adam, who is initially depicted in a decidedly un-Eternian setting: a corporate cubicle on Earth. This intriguing modern twist, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter, sees Adam Glenn (his Earth alias) navigating the mundane until the fabled Sword of Power tracks him down, setting the stage for his return to Eternia and his destiny as He-Man.
Jared Leto takes on the formidable role of Skeletor, He-Man’s arch-nemesis, whose appearance in the trailer suggests a menacing and visually striking antagonist. The trailer culminates in a dramatic confrontation between He-Man and Skeletor, promising intense action sequences. While the overall visual spectacle is compelling, The Hollywood Reporter raised questions regarding the extensive use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in certain live-action battle scenes, pondering its necessity beyond elements like Battle Cat.
The ensemble cast features a mix of established stars and rising talents. Idris Elba, known for ‘Heads of State’, portrays Duncan/Man-At-Arms, a crucial ally to He-Man. Camila Mendes, from ‘Upgraded’, steps into the role of Teela, another key companion. Alison Brie (‘Somebody I Used to Know’) is cast as the villainous Evil-Lyn, while Kristen Wiig (‘Bridesmaids’) lends her voice to the character of Roboto, adding a layer of comedic talent to the sci-fi adventure. Further rounding out the cast are Morena Baccarin (‘Greenland’) as the Sorceress, James Purefoy (‘Solomon Kane’) as King Randor, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (‘Alpha’) as Malcolm/Fisto, and Charlotte Riley (‘Entity’) as Queen Marlena. Notable supporting roles also include Sam C. Wilson as Trap Jaw, Hafthor Björnsson as Goat Man, and Kojo Attah as Tri-Klops, ensuring a rich tapestry of characters for fans to rediscover.
A particular highlight for long-time fans is the appearance of Battle Cat, Prince Adam’s loyal, armored green tiger whose alter ego is the timid house cat, Cringer. His presence in the trailer underscores the film’s commitment to honoring the original lore while presenting it through a contemporary lens. Director Travis Knight, with his background in combining animated and live-action elements, is expected to bring a unique vision to this epic fantasy, working from a screenplay developed by Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, and Dave Callaham, with the story originating from the Nee brothers, Alex Litvak, and Michael Finch.
Plot Details and Theatrical Release
The narrative arc of ‘Masters of the Universe’ centers on Prince Adam’s long-awaited return to his home world. After being separated from Eternia for 15 years, the Sword of Power acts as his guide, leading him back to a realm shattered under the tyrannical rule of Skeletor. To reclaim his family and rescue his world from the clutches of evil, Adam must forge alliances with his closest compatriots, including Teela and Duncan/Man-At-Arms. Crucially, he must embrace his true destiny and transform into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe, to confront Skeletor and restore balance to Eternia.
The film is slated for a theatrical release in the United States on June 5, 2026, with distribution handled by Amazon MGM Studios. For international audiences, Sony Pictures International Releasing will manage the distribution. This dual distribution strategy highlights the global appeal and anticipated reach of the ‘Masters of the Universe’ franchise. The decision for a theatrical release, as opposed to a direct-to-streaming debut, signals the studios’ confidence in the film’s potential to draw large audiences to cinemas, echoing the grand scale of the original property.
Beyond the feature film, the ‘Masters of the Universe’ universe is set to expand further. Following the movie’s release, a new video game titled ‘He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction’ is also expected, offering fans another interactive way to engage with the iconic characters and their adventures. This multi-platform approach underscores a strategic effort to re-establish the franchise’s prominence across various entertainment mediums, catering to both long-time enthusiasts and a new generation of fans.
A Resurgence for the ‘Masters of the Universe’ Franchise
The new live-action ‘Masters of the Universe’ film arrives at a pivotal moment for Mattel, the toy company behind the iconic 1980s franchise. In the wake of the phenomenal box office success of ‘Barbie’ in 2023, Mattel has significantly ramped up its efforts in toy-to-screen adaptations. This film is a cornerstone of Mattel Films’ ambitious strategy to develop a cinematic universe based on its vast array of toy properties. As Polygon reports, Mattel Films is now actively producing multiple movies and live-action series based on beloved toys, including ‘View-Master’ (written by ‘Zootopia’ scribe Phil Johnston), ‘Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots’ (with Vin Diesel attached to direct), ‘Magic 8 Ball’ (from M. Night Shyamalan and Brad Falchuk), and ‘Hot Wheels’ (under the direction of ‘Wicked’ filmmaker Jon M. Chu).
The ‘Masters of the Universe’ franchise itself boasts a rich history, beginning with the immensely popular Mattel toy line in the 1980s. This success quickly led to the animated television series ‘He-Man and the Masters of the Universe’, which ran for two seasons and 130 episodes, spawning numerous spin-offs like ‘She-Ra: Princess of Power’ and various sequel series, including two animated Netflix productions. A previous live-action film, starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man, was released in 1987. Amazon Prime Video, in fact, offers access to these earlier iterations, including the 1987 film, the 2016 animated movie ‘Masters of the Universe: The Curse of the Three Terrors’, and the original 1980s and early 2000s cartoon series, allowing new viewers to explore the franchise’s legacy.
The enduring appeal of He-Man, Skeletor, and the mystical world of Eternia lies in its classic themes of good versus evil, courage, and self-discovery. This new live-action adaptation seeks to tap into that timeless resonance while introducing contemporary elements, such as Prince Adam’s initial Earth-bound existence, to broaden its appeal. The trailer’s release is not just a promotional event; it’s a statement of intent from Mattel and Amazon MGM Studios, signaling a serious investment in revitalizing a cultural touchstone for a new generation, alongside satisfying the fervent nostalgia of long-time fans.
The strategic decision to bring ‘Masters of the Universe’ back to the big screen with a star-studded cast and a significant production budget underscores Mattel’s post-‘Barbie’ cinematic ambitions, aiming to prove that its iconic toy properties can translate into successful, expansive film franchises that balance reverence for source material with fresh, engaging storytelling for a global audience.