Travis Knight’s Masters of the Universe live-action adaptation continues to take shape with an expanding cast of high-profile actors. The latest additions to the film are James Purefoy and Charlotte Riley, who will portray King Randor and Queen Marlena, the parents of Prince Adam, also known as He-Man. This announcement adds further excitement to the highly anticipated movie, which is set to bring Mattel’s iconic toyline back to the big screen in a bold new way.
James Purefoy and Charlotte Riley Join the Cast
James Purefoy, known for his roles in Rome, Altered Carbon, and Pennyworth, has been cast as King Randor, the ruler of Eternia. Meanwhile, Charlotte Riley, recognized for her performances in Peaky Blinders, London Has Fallen, and The Peripheral, will take on the role of Queen Marlena. In most adaptations, King Randor is depicted as a noble and strong leader, while Queen Marlena is an Earth-born astronaut who crash-landed on Eternia, later becoming its queen.
Their casting adds another layer to the film, as Prince Adam’s relationship with his parents has often played a significant role in the Masters of the Universe mythos. Traditionally, Randor and Marlena remain unaware of Adam’s transformation into He-Man, at least initially. However, with director Travis Knight taking a fresh approach, the film may introduce some major changes to their dynamic.
Nicholas Galitzine Leads a Star-Studded Cast
Nicholas Galitzine (Red, White & Royal Blue) is set to play Prince Adam/He-Man. The cast already boasts an impressive lineup, including:
- Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms
- Camila Mendes as Teela
- Jared Leto as Skeletor
- Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn
- Sam C. Wilson as Trap Jaw
- Hafthor Bjornsson as Goat Man
- Kojo Attah as Tri-Klops
- Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress
- Haukur Johannesson as Fisto
With such a talented roster, the movie is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious adaptations of Masters of the Universe to date.
A Bold New Take on Prince Adam’s Origin
Unlike previous iterations, the 2026 Masters of the Universe film will introduce a fresh take on Prince Adam’s backstory. Instead of being raised entirely in Eternia, Adam is said to have crash-landed on Earth at the age of ten. He then spends twenty years growing up on the planet before discovering his royal heritage in his thirties. This major change adds an exile element to Adam’s character, making his eventual return to Eternia even more compelling.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the film is whether King Randor and Queen Marlena are still ruling Eternia when Adam returns or if they have been dethroned—or worse. If they are still in power, their reaction to Adam’s reappearance will likely be a major plot point. However, if they are missing or presumed dead, Adam may have an even greater responsibility in reclaiming his homeland from Skeletor.
Blending Nostalgia with a New Vision
Nicholas Galitzine has hinted that the film will take a different approach from the classic animated series, which had a distinctively campy tone. In an interview with Collider, he stated:
“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.”
This suggests the film will balance nostalgia with a fresh take, ensuring that both longtime fans and newcomers can enjoy the story.
Are you excited for Masters of the Universe? Let us know in the comments!
Also Read: Masters of the Universe: Two MCU Stars Join the Epic Live-Action Reboot
