The beloved Mattel franchise Masters of the Universe is returning to the big screen for the first time since 1987, and there are already a ton of exciting updates about the new live-action movie. Debuting in 1982 with the eponymous cartoon and best-selling toy line, the sword-and-sorcery franchise follows Prince Adam (a.k.a. He-Man) who defends the planet of Eternia from the dastardly Skeletor and his minions. Though the series was designed to sell toys, Masters of the Universe grew to become one of the most popular media franchises of the 1980s.

Besides the 130-episode cartoon series that ran from 1983-1985, He-Man and his allies branched out into various comic books, video games, and even feature films. The 1987 film starred Rocky IV‘s Dolf Lundgren as the heavily muscled He-Man, but was something of a notorious flop that was nothing like the popular show. However, with ’80s nostalgia at an all-time high, and filmmaking technology finally strong enough to bring Eternia to life properly, another live-action Masters of the Universe movie is on the way. With many details still unknown, the latest news regarding Masters of the Universe is in high demand.

Masters Of The Universe Latest News

More Classic Characters Have Been Cast

As the ensemble for the upcoming live-action adaptation continues to take shape, the latest news confirms that two more classic Masters of the Universe characters have been cast. Representing two pivotal He-Man allies, ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool‘s Morena Baccarin is set to play the role of The Sorceress, the magical guardian of Castle Greyskull. Meanwhile, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (Captain America: Brave New World) will play the role of Fisto, a warrior known for his metallic punch. These new stars join the likes of Nicholas Galitzine, Alison Brie, and Jared Leto, who already headline the cast.

The same day that Baccarin and Jóhannesson joined the cast, it was also announced that He-Man’s parents have been cast. Playing the role of King Randor (He-Man’s father), James Purefoy (A Knights Tale) has joined the ever-growing ensemble. Likewise, Peaky Blinders alum Charlotte Riley will play He-Man’s Earth-born mother, Queen Marlena.

Masters Of The Universe Release Date

He-Man Returns To The Big Screen In 2026

Though it is quite a ways off, the Masters of the Universe live-action movie is scheduled to be released on June 5, 2026 by Amazon/MGM. The film is expecting a theatrical debut, but details are still fuzzy this far removed from the release date. The premiere could always shift in the intervening years, and various project delays or speed-ups could necessitate a shifting of the currently established release date. Nevertheless, the release date is a good sign that Masters of the Universe is finally returning to the big screen after nearly 40 years.

Shows starring He-Man include:

Masters Of The Universe Cast

Nicholas Galitzine Stars As He-Man

Though most of the ensemble has yet to be filled, the starring role of Prince Adam/He-Man has found its actor in the upcoming live-action Masters of the Universe film. Rising star Nicholas Galitzine will pull double duty as Prince Adam and his superhero alter-ego He-Man, and it offers the young actor his first big break into the mainstream. Joining Galitzine is Riverdale alum Camila Mendes who will play Prince Adam’s Royal Guard Captain and personal sorceress, Teela.

Community and GLOW star Alison Brie has been cast as Evil-Lyn, Skeletor’s second-in-command. Furthermore, Idris Elba is set to appear as Duncan (Man-at-Arms), a crucial He-Man ally and adoptive father to Teela in most versions of the story. Musician and actor Jared Leto joined the cast as the franchise’s main villain, Skeletor, and he’s joined by Sam C. Wilson as Trap Jaw. Villains Goat Man (played by Hafthor Bjornsson), and Tri-Klops (Kojo Attah) will appear as well.

ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool star Morena Baccarin has been tapped to play The Sorceress, the magical guardian of Castle Greyskull. Meanwhile, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (Captain America: Brave New World) is playing Fisto, He-Man’s warrior ally with a metal hand. He-Man’s parents will be played by James Purefoy (A Knight’s Tale) and Charlotte Riley (Peaky Blinders), with the former playing King Randor and the latter playing Queen Marlena.

The confirmed cast of Masters of the Universe includes:

Actor	Masters of the Universe Role
Nicholas Galitzine	Prince Adam/He-Man
Camila Mendes	Teela
Alison Brie	Evil-Lyn
Idris Elba	Duncan (Man-at-Arms)
Jared Leto	Skeletor
James Purefoy	King Randor
Charlotte Riley	Queen Marlena	​​​​​​​
Sam C. Wilson	Trap Jaw
Hafthor Bjornsson	Goat Man
Kojo Attah	Tri-Klops
Morena Baccarin	The Sorceress
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson	Fisto

Masters Of The Universe Story

Will It Be He-Man’s Origin Story?

Though Netflix’s controversial He-Man show attempted to expand the franchise, the live-action Masters of the Universe movie will be the biggest exposure the series has gotten in decades. Because of that pressure, the details around the movie’s plot need to be perfect to not only please long-time fans but make the movie entertaining for newcomers as well. While the development of the Netflix movie yielded quite a few story details, it’s safe to say that those are all gone since the streamer canceled its plans and shipped the IP off to Amazon.

However, it stands to reason that Masters of the Universe will be an origin story that will more-or-less recreate what was seen in the cartoons and comics. As an infant, Prince Adam was sent from Eternia to Earth where he lost connection with his magic sword. However, when he reached adulthood, Adam found the sword and was returned to Eternia. Fighting as He-Man, Prince Adam must then protect the kingdom from evil-doers like Skeletor. While amendments to the main story are possible, those details will likely remain intact.