Idris Elba as Duncan in "Masters of the Universe" Live-Action Film Adaptation

News from the eagerly awaited "Masters of the Universe" live-action film adaptation: According to Deadline, Idris Elba will take on the role of Duncan!

Duncan, also known as Man-At-Arms, is more than a mere loyal servant of the royal family of Eternia. As a weapons master, trainer and advisor at court, he is an indispensable support in the fight against the dark forces. Duncan also has a personal connection to the protagonists of the story: he is the adoptive father of Teela and is one of the select few who know the secret of Prince Adam and his alter ego He-Man. His brother Fisto is set to play a role in the new "Masters of the Universe" movie as well.

The story revolves around Prince Adam, who as a child makes a crash landing on Earth in a spaceship and in the process loses the magical Power Sword. Two decades later, he recovers the sword and returns to Eternia. However, his home planet is in a grim situation: the tyrannical Skeletor and his army are causing chaos and terror.

The main role of Prince Adam will be played by Nicholas Galitzine, known for the romantic comedy "The Idea of You". "Riverdale" actress Camila Mendes will play the role of Teela. It is not yet known who will play Skeletor, but we will get to see Alison Brie as his deputy Evil-Lyn.

The film will be directed by Travis Knight, with the screenplay coming from "ParaNorman" author Chris Butler. "Masters of the Universe" will be released in theaters on June 5, 2026.

The Live-Action Film Adaptation of Masters of the Universe: A Look Back at the Cult Adaptation

The legendary animated series "Masters of the Universe" made its mark on a generation in the 1980s. However, not only was the story of the heroic He-Man and his companions brought to the screen, it was also turned into a live-action movie. The 1987 film, simply titled "Masters of the Universe", is considered an iconic but controversial adaptation of the popular franchise.

The Making of the Movie

The 1980s were the golden age of action figurines and the associated media. The Mattel toy line on which the series and movie were based was a worldwide success. The producer was Cannon Films, a studio known for its often budget-oriented productions. The movie was directed by Gary Goddard with a budget of around 22 million US dollars. Despite this sum, the production was affected by cost-cutting and restrictions on creativity, which had an impact on the implementation.

The Plot of the Movie

The story of "Masters of the Universe" deviates greatly from the familiar mythology of the series. Instead of focusing entirely on the planet Eternia, a large part of the film takes place on 1980s Earth.

The story opens with Skeletor, played by Frank Langella, conquering the fortress Castle Grayskull and establishing a reign of terror over Eternia. He-Man, played by Dolph Lundgren, is forced to flee with his companions Man-At-Arms (Jon Cypher) and Teela (Chelsea Field). With the help of inventor Gwildor (Billy Barty), they use a cosmic key instrument that transports them to Earth.

On Earth, they meet two teenagers, Julie (Courteney Cox in an early role) and Kevin, who help them retrieve the key and return to Eternia. The final battle between He-Man and Skeletor culminates in an epic confrontation in which He-Man shouts his iconic "I have the power!" and liberates Eternia.

Reception and Cult Status

After its release, the movie was met with rather negative reviews from critics. The deviation from the original series, the highly simplified plot and the sometimes inadequate special effects were criticized. Dolph Lundgren's portrayal of He-Man, who was known at the time for his accent and limited acting experience, was also targeted by critics.

Financially, the movie was not a big success: with box office takings of just under 17 million US dollars, it fell short of expectations. The weak numbers even contributed to the downfall of Cannon Films. The movie has nevertheless achieved cult status over the years. Today, fans particularly appreciate Frank Langella's charismatic portrayal of Skeletor, the nostalgic atmosphere and the charmingly trashy aesthetic. For many, it remains a unique attempt to make the epic world of Eternia a reality.

Although the live-action film adaptation of "Masters of the Universe" is considered a flop in many respects, it has secured its place in pop culture. With a new movie in the pipeline, there's still hope that Eternia's magic will one day reach its full potential on the big screen. Until then, the 1987 film remains a fascinating milestone in the history of the franchise.