It feels like the movie has been in the works forever, but the live-action Masters of the Universe movie is finally taking shape at Amazon MGM.
Bumblebee’s Travis Knight is set to direct, while writer Chris Butler (who worked with Knight on the animated Laika) is penning the screenplay. David Callaham, Aaron Nee and Adam Nee all contributed to earlier drafts.
As we first reported on SFFGazette.com, the big news today is the fact we have a He-Man: Nicholas Galitzine.
He’s best known for starring in Amazon’s romcoms Purple Hearts, Red, White & Royal Blue, and The Idea of You, and recently received praise for his work alongside Julianne Moore in Mary & George. Black Adam star Noah Centineo was previously attached to the role but exited in 2021.
While not confirmed, Sacha Baron Cohen has been rumoured to be in the running to play Skeletor.
“We’re thrilled to bring the beloved Masters of the Universe to life and couldn’t be more excited to announce the immensely talented Nicholas Galitzine as our He-Man,” says Julie Rapaport, head of film production and development at Amazon MGM Studios.
“Joining forces with director Travis Knight, Mattel, and Escape Artists,” she adds, “this reintroduction of the character and his universe will be an epic film that will delight audiences from here to Eternia.”
Masters of the Universe will be produced by Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Steve Tisch, as well as Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner. Despite Amazon’s involvement (the company acquired MGM in 2021), the movie is set to be released theatrically.
He-Man is the heroic protagonist of the Masters of the Universe franchise, which originated with a line of action figures produced by Mattel in the early 1980s. He-Man is the alter ego of Prince Adam, the royal son of King Randor and Queen Marlena in the kingdom of Eternia.
When Prince Adam raises his magical Sword of Power and declares, “By the power of Grayskull, I have the power!” he transforms into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe.
The character gained widespread popularity through the animated television series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, which aired from 1983 to 1985, spawning a vast array of merchandise, comic books, and a cult following. Netflix rebooted the property with 2021’s Masters of the Universe: Revelation.
Masters of the Universe will be released in theaters on June 5, 2026.