Masters of the Universe: What Amazon's New He-Man Movie Needs to Get Right + A Deep Dive Into He-Man's History
After decades of waiting, fans of the iconic Masters of the Universe franchise are buzzing with excitement as He-Man prepares for a triumphant return to the big screen. Amazon and MGM are teaming up to launch a new Masters of the Universe movie, slated for release on June 5, 2026, with Nicholas Galitzine set to play Prince Adam/He-Man. It’s been a long journey since the 1987 film starring Dolph Lundgren—which, while now a cult favorite, was a notorious box office bomb at the time. But this time, the stakes are high. So, what does the new movie need to nail to finally give He-Man the cinematic glory he deserves?
Let’s explore the key elements that will determine whether this reboot will be a success and take a moment to dive into some lesser-known facts about He-Man's rich history. Plus, don’t miss our special collection of vintage He-Man VHS tapes at the end of the article!
He-Man Needs to Take Center Stage
In any Masters of the Universe adaptation, He-Man must be the star. While recent projects like Masters of the Universe: Revelation tried to shine the spotlight on other characters (most notably Teela), fans expect to see He-Man as the focal point. For this reboot to work, the film must showcase He-Man’s might, charisma, and his ultimate battle against Skeletor. The franchise is built around He-Man's strength, courage, and leadership, and his role as the most powerful man in the universe cannot be overshadowed by side characters.
Prince Adam's Identity: Keep It Classic
One of the most defining traits of He-Man is the dual identity of Prince Adam, the seemingly cowardly royal who transforms into the mighty hero. While superhero movies today often dispense with the "secret identity" trope, He-Man’s duality is crucial to his character’s arc. Prince Adam’s journey from the palace to the battlefield, while keeping his alter ego hidden from his closest allies, adds depth and tension. Let’s hope Amazon sticks to this classic setup and resists the temptation to "modernize" by abandoning his secret.
Can Nicholas Galitzine Pull Off Both Roles?
Nicholas Galitzine, known for his roles in Cinderella and Mary & George, has a challenging task ahead of him. He must convincingly portray both the lighthearted, timid Prince Adam and the mighty, confident He-Man. Think of it like Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Clark Kent and Superman—two distinct personalities, yet the same person. Galitzine needs to create a clear distinction between Adam and He-Man, using body language and performance to sell the transformation, especially in the iconic scene where he raises his sword and shouts, “I have the power!”
Teela: More Than a Love Interest
While romance may always simmer beneath the surface, Teela, Eternia's Captain of the Guard, is a warrior in her own right. In Masters of the Universe: Revelation, she was given a significant storyline involving her connection to the Sorceress, but that fundamentally changed her character. In this reboot, it’s essential that Teela is not reduced to a mere love interest but stands strong as a warrior, an ally to He-Man, and a key figure in the battle against evil.
Eternia: A Fantasy World Brought to Life
One of the most exciting elements of He-Man’s story is the world of Eternia—a fantastical blend of swords, sorcery, and technology. Past adaptations sometimes strayed too far into science fiction, but Eternia’s heart is in fantasy. Whether it’s exploring the mystical Castle Grayskull or the villainous Snake Mountain, the world needs to feel as rich and vibrant as it did in the classic '80s animated series. With the success of recent fantasy epics like The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and The Wheel of Time, there’s no excuse for anything less than a fully immersive world.
Skeletor Must Be Terrifying
No hero is complete without an unforgettable villain, and Skeletor is one of the most iconic bad guys in pop culture. But for this film to succeed, Skeletor needs to be more than a cackling antagonist. He must be a legitimate threat to Eternia and the power of Grayskull. He should be cunning, ruthless, and terrifying—a true force of evil. While keeping it appropriate for a younger audience, the film must not shy away from making Skeletor a powerful, fearsome villain.
The Right Tone for All Ages
The 1983 He-Man and the Masters of the Universe series had a light, innocent tone, with clear-cut morals and uplifting messages. While modern audiences expect more complexity in their films, Masters of the Universe should retain the joyful, heroic spirit that allows parents to share the story with their children. The tone should be adventurous and exciting but not dark or overly mature like Game of Thrones—it’s a story meant to inspire and excite.
Welcoming a New Generation to the World of He-Man
The success of this film hinges on its ability to appeal to both longtime fans and new viewers. Nostalgia is a powerful force, but it can’t carry a movie on its own. The focus should be on introducing He-Man’s story to a new generation—one that may not have grown up with the original series but can be captivated by the adventure, courage, and magic that made He-Man a household name in the 1980s.
A Brief History of He-Man & Lesser-Known Facts
He-Man first appeared in 1981 as a toy line created by Mattel, with the animated series launching two years later in 1983. The character of He-Man quickly became a global sensation, with toys, comics, and cartoons making him a cultural icon.
But did you know:
- He-Man’s Original Name: Before settling on "He-Man," Mattel considered naming the character "Mighty Man" or "Torak."
- The Birth of Skeletor: Skeletor was inspired by a real-life corpse that toy designer Mark Taylor saw at a carnival’s haunted house exhibit!
- He-Man Almost Had a Different Voice: John Erwin provided the voice for He-Man in the animated series, but before him, actor George DiCenzo (who voiced Hordak in She-Ra) was considered for the role.
- He-Man’s Crossover with Superman: He-Man has teamed up with Superman in comic books multiple times, cementing the connection between the two heroes.
- The Lost Movie Sequel: A sequel to the 1987 Masters of the Universe movie was planned but was never made due to the original’s box office failure.
The He-Man VHS Collection You Can’t Miss!
Relive the magic with our exclusive He-Man VHS collection! From the original 1983 animated series to The New Adventures of He-Man and everything in between, our vintage VHS tapes are the perfect way to experience the power of Grayskull in its original glory.
Browse our full catalogue of He-Man VHS tapes [here], and take a trip back to Eternia with rare, collectible episodes that will bring the nostalgia flooding back!
