By the power of Grayskull, He-Man is finally back — and this time, he’s charging onto the big screen in a full-scale live-action epic. Amazon MGM has officially dropped the first trailer for Masters of the Universe, and it offers a dramatic, effects-heavy look at Travis Knight’s long-awaited adaptation of the legendary Mattel franchise. After years of false starts, studio changes, and stalled plans, the iconic hero is ready for a new generation. And from what the trailer shows, this isn’t just a nostalgic throwback — it’s a complete reinvention with heart, scale, and a modern edge.
From Earth to Eternia: A New Origin for Prince Adam
The film reimagines the story of Prince Adam, played by Nicholas Galitzine, in a surprising way. Instead of beginning in Eternia, the trailer reveals Adam stuck on Earth, working a dull HR job — a far cry from the destiny waiting for him. He knows something is missing, that he’s meant for more, but doesn’t yet understand why.
Everything changes when he finds the Sword of Power. That single moment pulls him back to Eternia, a world he was separated from 15 years ago. But home is no longer the place he once knew. Eternia has fallen under the brutal control of Skeletor, and the kingdom is in ruins.
What follows is Adam’s transformation from a lost man on Earth into the most powerful hero in the universe — He-Man.
He-Man vs. Skeletor: A Long-Awaited Showdown
The trailer’s biggest reveal is Jared Leto as Skeletor. Though he doesn’t speak, his presence is instantly menacing. Pale, armored, and terrifying, Skeletor stands as the central threat ruling over Eternia.
In the final moments of the trailer, Adam fully becomes He-Man and clashes with Skeletor in a dramatic battle — the kind fans have waited decades to see in live action. The visuals lean heavily into fantasy and sci-fi, promising massive battles, dark magic, and explosive action.
A Star-Studded Cast Brings Eternia to Life
Alongside Galitzine and Leto, the film boasts a powerful ensemble:
- Camila Mendes as Teela
- Idris Elba as Duncan / Man-At-Arms
- Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn
- Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress
- James Purefoy as King Randor
- Charlotte Riley as Queen Marlena
- Sam C. Wilson as Trap Jaw
- Sasheer Zamata as Suzie
The cast also includes Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Hafthor Bjornsson, Kojo Attah, John Xue Zhang, and Christian Vunipola, rounding out the warriors, villains, and allies of Eternia.
A Franchise Reborn After Years of Development Hell
This film has been a long time coming. The live-action Masters of the Universe project has been in development since 2010, passing through multiple studios, directors, and versions before finally landing at Amazon MGM in 2023.
Travis Knight was officially announced as director in early 2024, with Chris Butler writing the screenplay. Principal photography began in London in January 2025, marking the first real step toward bringing He-Man back to life.
The film is produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Mattel Films, and Escape Artists, with Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Steve Tisch serving as producers.
More Than Nostalgia: A Film for Every Generation
While longtime fans will recognize the characters and world, Masters of the Universe is designed to reach far beyond its 1980s roots. The story focuses on heroic transformation, self-discovery, and finding the power within — themes that feel just as relevant today.
Mattel is also positioning this film as the next major step in its growing slate of brand-led movies, following the global success of Barbie. With its mix of nostalgia, epic storytelling, and modern spectacle, the studio is betting big on He-Man’s return.
Release Date
Masters of the Universe will hit theaters worldwide on June 5, 2026.
After decades of waiting, the sword has been raised once again — and this time, He-Man’s power is ready to be unleashed on the biggest stage possible.
