Travis Knight is directing the film, which will be released exclusively in theaters worldwide on June 5, 2026
Today, Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced that Nicholas Galitzine has been cast as “He-Man” in the upcoming live-action feature film Masters of the Universe, based on the iconic Mattel franchise. Travis Knight is directing the film, which will be released exclusively in theaters worldwide on June 5, 2026. Chris Butler is writing the screenplay (initial draft written by David Callaham, and Aaron and Adam Nee). Plot details are being kept under wraps.
“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,” said Julie Rapaport, head of film production and development at Amazon MGM Studios. “Joining forces with director Travis Knight, Mattel, and Escape Artists, this reintroduction of the character and his universe will be an epic film that will delight audiences from here to Eternia.”
“Mattel Films is proud to work with Amazon and team up again with the incredible Courtenay Valenti, to bring Masters of the Universe to the big screen,” said Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films. “We are thrilled to be producing alongside the highly respected and prolific Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Steve Tisch, with the visionary Travis Knight, and the charismatic and talented Nicholas Galitzine, our Prince Adam/He-Man!”
Nicholas Galitzine has a longstanding relationship with Amazon MGM Studios. He most recently starred opposite Anne Hathaway in The Idea of You, which is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and was recently unveiled as the Amazon MGM Studios’ No. 1 romantic comedy debut of all time, attracting nearly 50 million worldwide viewers in its first two weeks on Prime Video. Prior to that, Galitzine starred in the studio’s adaptation of Red, White & Royal Blue, for which a sequel is currently in development, Bottoms, for the studio’s Orion Pictures label, and Cinderella, opposite Camila Cabello. His other credits include the Sky original series Mary & George opposite Julianne Moore, Netflix’s massively successful Purple Hearts as the male lead opposite Sofia Carson, Handsome Devil, and The Beat Beneath My Feet. Galitzine is represented by the UK’s Curtis Brown Group; WME; Anonymous Content; The Lede Company; Gang, Tyre, Ramer and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
Masters of the Universe will be produced by Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Steve Tisch, and Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner.
Mattel’s Masters of the Universe was first introduced to the world in 1982 through a line of popular action figures. In 1983, the treasured animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe premiered and became one of the first children’s programs to be syndicated on television. From inception, the MOTU brand was built upon the message of becoming the best version of oneself and today, the franchise spans a variety of consumer touchpoints across toys, television, video games, and more.
Mattel Films’ vision is to collaborate with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences. Including Masters of the Universe, Mattel Films has 15 live-action motion pictures in active development including American Girl, Hot Wheels, Bob the Builder, Magic 8 Ball, Matchbox, Major Matt Mason, Polly Pocket, Barney, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Thomas & Friends, UNO, View-Master, and Wishbone. Mattel Films is also developing Christmas Balloon, a holiday family drama based on all-new IP.
Dan Kleiner 