Movies - Masters of the Universe: Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films Begin Production

By Mulder, 18 february 2025

Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel, Inc. have officially commenced production on the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Masters of the Universe. With Travis Knight at the helm, the film is set to bring the legendary 1980s franchise back to the big screen. The project has gathered an impressive cast, led by Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man, alongside Camila Mendes as Teela, Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress, James Purefoy as King Randor, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, and Jared Leto as the iconic villain Skeletor. The cast also features Idris Elba as Duncan/Man-at-Arms, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Malcolm/Fisto, Sam C. Wilson as Trap Jaw, Hafthor Bjornsson as Goat Man, and Kojo Attah as Tri-Klops. Joining them are recent additions Sasheer Zamata, John Xue Zhang, and Christian Vunipola in yet-to-be-revealed roles.

The screenplay, penned by Chris Butler with an initial draft by David Callaham and Aaron and Adam Nee, remains shrouded in secrecy. However, early story details hint at a fresh take on the Masters of the Universe mythos, following Prince Adam as he crash-lands on Earth, separated from the fabled Power Sword of Grayskull. After two decades, he must embrace his destiny as He-Man to defend Eternia from the sinister Skeletor. The film is produced by Escape Artists and Mattel Films and is slated for an exclusive theatrical release on June 5, 2026.

Bringing Masters of the Universe to the silver screen has been a tumultuous journey spanning nearly two decades. Warner Bros. initially attempted to develop a live-action adaptation in 2007, with John Woo attached to direct. Over the years, the project changed hands multiple times, passing through Sony Pictures and Netflix before finally landing at Amazon MGM Studios. In May 2024, Travis Knight was confirmed as the director, reinvigorating the project with a renewed creative vision that aims to stay faithful to the beloved franchise while introducing it to a new generation of audiences.

A first-look image released by Amazon MGM Studios showcases Nicholas Galitzine in full He-Man regalia, wielding the legendary Power Sword against an epic, otherworldly backdrop. The costume design pays homage to the classic animated series while incorporating modern textures and battle-ready armor. With Fabian Wagner (Justice League, Game of Thrones) serving as cinematographer, the film promises breathtaking visuals, combining vast fantasy landscapes, grand fortresses, and dynamic action sequences. Knight has emphasized a balanced approach between practical effects and cutting-edge CGI, ensuring a grounded yet spectacular cinematic experience.

The Masters of the Universe franchise has captivated audiences since its debut in 1982 as a Mattel action figure line. The brand exploded in popularity with the 1983 animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, which became one of the first syndicated children’s programs on television. Over the decades, Masters of the Universe has expanded into comics, video games, and spin-off series like She-Ra: Princess of Power. Despite a lackluster 1987 live-action adaptation starring Dolph Lundgren, the franchise has maintained a loyal fanbase, and the recent success of Mattel’s Barbie film has reignited interest in toy-based cinematic universes.

Filming began in London on January 6, 2025, and fans can expect more behind-the-scenes content, trailers, and casting updates as production progresses. As Hollywood continues to embrace nostalgia-driven storytelling, Masters of the Universe has the potential to stand alongside other major fantasy franchises, offering both longtime fans and newcomers an unforgettable cinematic adventure. With a powerhouse cast, an experienced director, and a beloved source material, Masters of the Universe is poised to be one of the defining blockbusters of 2026.

Synopsis : 
A young man on Earth discovers a fabulous secret legacy as the prince of an alien planet, and must recover a magic sword and return home to protect his kingdom.

Masters of the Universe
Directed by Travis Knight
Written by Chris Butler
Based on Masters of the Universe by Mattel
Produced by Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, DeVon Franklin
Starring  Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Jared Leto, Alison Brie, Idris Elba, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Sam C. Wilson, Kojo Attah, James Purefoy, Charlotte Riley, Jon Xue Zhang , Sasheer Zamata , Christian Vunipola 
Cinematography : Fabian Wagner
Production companies : Mattel Films, Escape Artists, Franklin Entertainment
Distributed by Amazon MGM Studios
Release date : June 5, 2026 (United States)