Masters of the Universe is set to hit theaters on June 5, 2026, after a teaser trailer dropped on Jan. 22. The live-action film brings the iconic toy-turned-cartoon back to the big screen with a new generation of actors and a fresh storyline.
At a Glance
- Release date: June 5, 2026
- First trailer: Jan. 22, 2024
- Lead actor: Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man
- Director: Travis Knight, known for Kubo and the Two Strings and Bumblebee
- Plot: A boy from Eternia discovers his destiny as He-Man after a battle with Skeletor.
The Legacy of He-Man
The He-Man character debuted in 1982 as a line of action figures and was later adapted into the 1983 animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. The franchise expanded into comic books, television series, and a 1987 live-action film starring Dolph Lundgren. The new movie marks the first live-action adaptation since that 1987 release.
What the Film Is About
The story follows Prince Adam, a boy sent from his home planet of Eternia to Earth. Living as Adam Glenn, he works a mundane office job while dreaming of adventure. After finding the mythical Sword of Power, Adam returns to Eternia, where his world is under the tyrannical rule of Skeletor. To save his family and planet, Adam must ally with Teela, Duncan/Man-At-Arms, and others, ultimately embracing his true destiny as He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe.
Cast Highlights
- Nicholas Galitzine – He-Man/Prince Adam
- Jared Leto – Skeletor
- Camila Mendes – Teela
- Idris Elba – Duncan/Man-At-Arms
- Alison Brie – Evil-Lyn
- Morena Baccarin – Sorceress of Castle Grayskull
- Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson – Malcolm/Fisto
- Kristin Wiig – voice of Roboto
Galitzine has spoken about the physical demands of the role. In December 2025, he told News Of Los Angeles that bulking up for He-Man was “the hardest thing” he’s ever done, describing it as a daily challenge that was “incredibly empowering.” He added, “I’ve never had a challenge like that before, which really every single day you have to wake up and you can see the peak of the mountain vaguely, but especially when you’re bulking.”
Direction and Production
Travis Knight directs the film, bringing experience from his work on Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) and Bumblebee (2018). The movie is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and will be released exclusively in theaters.
Trailer and Release Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First teaser trailer released | Jan. 22, 2024 |
| Theatrical release | June 5, 2026 |
The teaser trailer showcases Adam discovering his destiny as He-Man and hints at a confrontation with Skeletor. The full film is slated to premiere on June 5, 2026, with no digital or streaming release announced.
Where to Watch
While Masters of the Universe will be available only in theaters upon release, the original 1987 live-action film can be streamed on platforms such as Prime Video and Tubi.
Key Takeaways
- Masters of the Universe returns to the big screen after nearly four decades.
- Nicholas Galitzine leads a star-studded cast including Jared Leto, Idris Elba, and Camila Mendes.
- The film’s plot centers on Prince Adam’s transformation into He-Man to thwart Skeletor’s reign.
- Director Travis Knight brings a blend of animation and action experience.
- The trailer released on Jan. 22 builds anticipation for the June 5 theatrical debut.
