The “Masters of the Universe” are returning, this time in a live-action film based on the popular 1980s toy line.
On Thursday, Jan. 22, Amazon MGM Studios released the first teaser trailer for the movie on YouTube. It shows glimpses of Eternia, the world where the movie takes place, the Power Sword used by He-Man and several characters and callbacks fans will recognize from their childhood.
The film, directed by Travis Knight, stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam of Eternia (aka He-Man), Morena Baccarin as the Sorceress, Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms/Duncan and Jared Leto as Skeletor, according to IMDb.
Amazon MGM Studios will release the film theatrically in the United States on June 5, 2026.
What is ‘Masters of the Universe’?
The “Masters of the Universe” was a toy line of action figures released by Mattel in 1982, according to the Toy Collector Guide. Initially, Mattel released eight action figures, including He-Man, Beast Man, Teela, Skeletor and more.
Later, in 1983, the “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” animated series was released, according to IMDb.
The show, a hand-drawn animation with dark fantasy elements, sorcery and superheroes, followed He-Man, the “most powerful man in the universe,” as he fought the evil Skeletor, protected Castle Grayskull and its hidden secrets and saved planet Eternia, according to IMDb’s summary of the animated series.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 18: Vintage Masters of the Universe toys on display during Power-Con 2019 at Hilton Anaheim on August 18, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Angela Papuga/Getty Images)
The show would be nominated for the Video Software Dealers Association Award for Most Popular Children’s Program (Non-Movie) in 1985, the Young Artist Award for Best Family Animation Series or Special in 1986, and the Young Artist Award for Exceptional Family Animation Series or Specials in 1987, according to IMDb.
The show was also nominated for the Brazilian award Troféu Imprensa for Best Cartoon in 1985, before winning it in 1986. It also won the CinEuphoria Merit-Honorary Award.
The success of the animated show led to the 1987 release of a live-action “Masters of the Universe” film starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man, Frank Langella as Skeletor and Courtney Cox as Julie Winston.
Watch the official ‘Masters of the Universe’ trailer
How to watch the original ‘He-Man and the Masters of the Universe’ cartoon
Seasons 1 and 2 of the original 1983 cartoon are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Other movie and cartoon spin-offs and revivals of the cartoon can also be streamed on Netflix (“Masters of the Universe: Revelation” and “Masters of the Universe: Revolution”) and Amazon Prime Video (the 1987 live-action “Masters of the Universe”).
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, scientific studies, natural disasters, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: He-Man is returning with ‘Masters of the Universe’ film. See trailer.
