The cast and filmmakers shared stories about He-Man, Castle Grayskull, and the challenge of bringing one of pop culture’s most beloved franchises to the big screen.
With Masters of the Universe preparing to arrive in theaters on June 5, the cast and creative team recently gathered for a virtual press conference to discuss the long-awaited adaptation and the responsibility that comes with bringing Eternia to life for a new generation.
“Last night was all worth it. It was an amazing experience to see fans embrace the movie we made.”
Director Travis Knight described the project as deeply personal, recalling how much the original toys, comics, and animated series meant to him growing up. A lifelong fan of the franchise, Knight explained that finally bringing those characters to the big screen felt surreal after decades of imagining his own adventures in Eternia.
For star Nicholas Galitzine, who plays Adam and He-Man, the journey carried a different emotional weight. During the discussion, Galitzine reflected on his early years traveling to Los Angeles as a young actor, sleeping on couches while hoping for an opportunity that could change his career.
Standing at the TCL Chinese Theatre for the film’s premiere, he recalled looking at the iconic venue years earlier and wondering if he would ever have a movie there. Now he finds himself headlining one of the most recognizable fantasy franchises in popular culture.
Galitzine also spoke about the importance of He-Man’s emotional journey, noting that the famous transformation sequence carries meaning beyond its visual spectacle. For him, the moment represents years of rejection, perseverance, and finally embracing the responsibility of becoming a hero.
Much of the conversation focused on the production’s commitment to practical filmmaking. Several cast members praised the elaborate sets constructed for the film, including Castle Grayskull itself, which many described as the moment the scale of the project truly became real.
Morena Baccarin, who portrays the Sorceress, recalled walking through the completed sets and seeing the Power Sword resting inside Castle Grayskull. As a longtime fan of the original property, she described the experience as one of the most memorable moments of production.
Camila Mendes discussed Teela’s role within the story, explaining that the character serves as one of the film’s primary leaders during the early stages of the adventure. Mendes emphasized the evolving relationship between Teela and Adam, noting that both characters ultimately help each other discover their strengths.
Idris Elba, who plays Duncan, revealed that many of his conversations with Knight centered on fatherhood and emotional vulnerability. Rather than focusing solely on the character’s combat abilities, Elba wanted to explore Duncan as a father dealing with loss and responsibility.
Alison Brie highlighted the complicated dynamic between Evil-Lyn and Skeletor, describing the relationship as one of the most entertaining aspects of the film. While their interactions often provide humor, she explained that the characters share a surprisingly layered and often unpredictable bond.
Producers Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal reflected on the nearly two-decade journey to bring the film to theaters. Both described themselves as longtime fans who eventually became caretakers of the property, working to ensure the finished film remained faithful to the spirit of the original franchise while introducing it to a new audience.
Music also emerged as a major topic of discussion. Knight praised composer Daniel Pemberton’s score and revealed that Queen guitarist Brian May contributed guitar work to the soundtrack.
One of the more unexpected stories from the press conference involved May’s enthusiasm for the franchise itself. According to Knight, the legendary guitarist spent hours working on the score before returning with boxes of decades-old He-Man toys from his family's collection, eagerly discussing characters from the original line.
The practical approach extended far beyond the sets. Cast members repeatedly pointed to the costumes, creatures, and physical environments as key elements that helped them connect with their characters and the world of Eternia.
One thing that came up repeatedly throughout the discussion was the importance of seeing the film in a theater. Whether discussing Castle Grayskull, the scale of the action sequences, the practical costumes, or Pemberton’s score, the cast and filmmakers consistently returned to the idea that Masters of the Universe was designed as a theatrical experience.
After years of development, the film now arrives with a cast and creative team fully aware of how much the property means to longtime fans. For anyone who grew up with He-Man, Skeletor, Teela, Duncan, Evil-Lyn, and Castle Grayskull, the enthusiasm throughout the discussion suggested this was more than just another studio adaptation.
