It took more than the power of Grayskull but a new, live-action Masters of the Universe movie is actually happening. That’s something fans have heard for years as various studios, stars, and directors have circled the popular toy brand—but today, a first-look image has been released from the film proving that it’s happening… and it’s exactly what you’re hoping for.
You see a tease of it above and in full below. That’s He-Man, played by Nicholas Galitzine, with the Sword of Power. The sword has the recognizable design from the toys and multiple animated series, but a much gritter, worn-down feel to it. Which makes sense.
As previously announced, Masters of the Universe is being directed by Travis Knight, who flexed his 1980s toy muscles with the under-appreciated Bumblebee. And he’s put together just an incredible cast. Here’s the full, final cast list.
- Nicholas Galitzine (“He-Man”)
- Camila Mendes (“Teela”)
- Morena Baccarin (“The Sorceress”)
- James Purefoy (“King Randor”)
- Alison Brie (“Evil-Lyn”)
- Charlotte Riley (“Queen Marlena”)
- Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (“Malcolm/Fisto”)
- Jared Leto (“Skeletor”)
- Idris Elba (“Duncan/Man-at-Arms”)
- Sam C. Wilson (“Trap Jaw”)
- Hafthor Bjornsson (“Goat Man”)
- Kojo Attah (“Tri-Klops”)
- Sasheer Zamata (“Suzie”)
- John Xue Zhang (“Ram-Man”)
- Christian Vunipola (“Hussein”)
That cast is not just incredible but almost hard to believe. Like, we are going to get to see Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms?! Is Oscar winner Jared Leto sending everyone on the cast missives filled with god knows what as the evil Skeletor? Others such as Baccarin, Jóhannesson, and Purefoy are pitch-perfect choices too.
After multiple starts and stops, Knight came aboard the project in early 2024 and Galitzine was added in May. So it’s taken almost a year, but in that time, this toy franchise turned animated series, which then became a very campy movie, and recently saw a resurgence on Netflix, has taken shape. It’s currently expected to hit theaters June 5, 2026.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
