Eternia is open for business again. Nearly four decades after its last live-action outing, Masters of the Universe is finally returning to the big screen, mightier, braver, and far more faithful to the toys that started it all. Backed by Amazon MGM Studios, the upcoming live-action epic is set to kick off a new chapter for Mattel’s iconic franchise under director Travis Knight, with Nicholas Galitzine leading the charge as Prince Adam, alongside Jared Leto as Skeletor and Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms.
The studio recently treated us with the first full trailer, going all in on full-throttle fantasy, packed with epic worldbuilding and glimpses of the pulpy weirdness that made the original toys and cartoon so iconic. With a theatrical release set for June, here’s everything we know so far about Masters of the Universe, including the release date, cast, plot details, trailers, and more.
Masters of the Universe: Release Date
After years of development and more than a few creative shake-ups, Masters of the Universe finally has a firm release date. The film is set to release in the U.S. on June 5, 2026. Amazon MGM Studios will handle distribution domestically, while Sony Pictures International Releasing takes care of the overseas rollout. Masters of the Universe is heading for a full theatrical release instead of a direct-to-streaming debut, with details about its eventual Prime Video debut likely to surface closer to release.
Masters of the Universe: Cast
If the trailer proves anything, it’s that this isn’t a small-scale reboot. Amazon’s Masters of the Universe features major names and deep-cut fan favourites. Nicholas Galitzine leads the film as Prince Adam, who assumes the mantle of He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe. Opposite him, Jared Leto takes on Skeletor, Eternia’s skull-faced Lord of Destruction.
Idris Elba plays Duncan, better known as Man-At-Arms, the kingdom’s master strategist and Adam’s trusted ally, while Camila Mendes steps into the role of Teela. The film also stars Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Skeletor’s powerful second-in-command, Kojo Attah as Tri-Klops and Sam C. Wilson as Kronis, better known as Trap Jaw.
The cast also includes Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson as Goat Man, Jon Xue Zhang as Ram-Man, and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Malcolm, better known to fans as Fisto, while Kristen Wiig lends her voice to Roboto. Rounding out Eternia’s royal family are James Purefoy as King Randor, Sasheer Zamata as Suzie and Charlotte Riley as Queen Marlena, with Morena Baccarin portraying the Sorceress, guardian of Castle Grayskull. Here’s the full Masters of the Universe cast:
- Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam / He-Man
- Jared Leto as Skeletor
- Camila Mendes as Teela
- Idris Elba as Duncan / Man-At-Arms
- Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn
- Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress
- James Purefoy as King Randor
- Charlotte Riley as Queen Marlena
- Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Malcolm / Fisto
- Kristen Wiig as Roboto (voice)
- Sasheer Zamata as Suzie
- Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson as Goat Man
- Jon Xue Zhang as Ram-Man
- Kojo Attah as Tri-Klops
- Sam C. Wilson as Kronis / Trap Jaw
What Will Masters of the Universe Be About?
Masters of the Universe is shaping up to be a big, character-driven, full-scale origin story, charting Prince Adam’s journey from exile to destiny. The film is directed by Travis Knight, known for Bumblebee, with a screenplay by Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, and Dave Callaham. The story was developed by the Nee brothers alongside Alex Litvak and Michael Finch. Producing duties fall to Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Robbie Brenner, Steve Tisch, and DeVon Franklin, with Ynon Kreiz, Bill Bannerman, and David Bloomfield serving as executive producers.
As per Amazon’s description, “After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor. To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela and Duncan/Man-At-Arms, and embrace his true destiny as He-Man—the most powerful man in the universe.”
Based on what’s been revealed so far, the film will be an origin story and follow ten-year-old Adam as he flees Eternia and crash-lands on Earth, losing the magical Sword of Power in the process. Years later, Adam is living under the name Adam Glenn, working a normal job and feeling out of place in a world that was never truly his. When the Sword of Power resurfaces nearly two decades later, he returns to Eternia, only to find out that Skeletor has seized control and the world Adam barely remembers is fractured and desperate for a champion.
Speaking with THR last year, Nicholas Galitzine acknowledged that the reboot is an “original version,” adding, “What I will say is our version is quite different from the original animation, which we all agree was camp within its own right and worked so well for the time. But there’s been a couple of iterations, obviously since there was the Revelation version of Masters of the Universe, and the comics themselves. And we’re very much treating our script as Bible, you know. But it’s kind of amazing to hear what this show meant to a lot of people. It was really formative for a lot of people, so it’s exciting to do something that will have a nostalgia element as well as hopefully attract a bunch of new fans.”
Behind the camera, director Travis Knight (who previously helmed Bumblebee and runs Laika) has been vocal about how personal this project is to him. “These characters have lived with me since childhood,” Knight told Empire. “Stepping into Eternia was a homecoming, one that carried with it both joy and responsibility. I can’t wait for long-time fans to see and feel how much care we’ve taken, and for new audiences to discover how epic, strange and beautiful this world can be.”
Is There A Trailer for Masters of the Universe?
By the power of Grayskull… yes, there is. Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Studios dropped the first full trailer a couple of weeks ago, giving fans their clearest look yet at the live-action Masters of the Universe. The trailer opens on Earth, where Nicholas Galitzine’s Adam Glenn (aka Prince Adam) is stuck in a corporate job before destiny comes calling. We see the trailer taking Adam back to Eternia, where Skeletor’s rise has thrown the kingdom into chaos and he must step up as its champion.
The trailer then treats us to sweeping shots of Eternos City, Snake Mountain, and a fully realized Castle Grayskull, along with flashes of large-scale battles and cosmic spectacle. Jared Leto’s Skeletor looms large, with his blue skin and ram-headed Havoc Staff and yes, Battle Cat also shows up.
Are There Any Other Movies Like Masters of the Universe?
If the new Masters of the Universe has you in the mood for big swords, cosmic villains, neon sci-fi, and unapologetically fantasy, we’d suggest giving the 1983 cult classic Krull a watch. The film is packed with epic quests, alien threats, and an epic quest set in a richly imagined, wild fantasy world.
You can also check out Flash Gordon (1980) and for a heavier dose of ’80s spectacle, The Running Man serves up high-stakes action and outrageous set pieces. And for something truly offbeat, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension brings rock, aliens, and eccentric sci-fi fun for good measure.
