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He has the Power: Nicholas Galitzine to Star as “He-Man” in Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films’ Live-Action Masters of the Universe

May 29, 2024

Travis Knight is directing the film, which will be released exclusively in theaters worldwide on June 5, 2026 

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CULVER CITY, California—May 29, 2024Today, 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.  

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About Amazon MGM Studios
Amazon MGM Studios is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content. Original series premiere on Prime Video, which is available to watch on hundreds of compatible devices in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Original films are produced and acquired by the studio for theatrical release and exclusively for Prime Video. Amazon MGM Studios also produces content for MGM+, the premium pay television network, and Freevee, Amazon’s premium free streaming service. 

About Mattel   
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.
 

About Nicholas Galitzine
Nicholas Galitzine is an actor known for his captivating performances that have earned him both a devoted fan base and critical acclaim. Recognized as one of Variety's "10 Actors to Watch" in 2023, Nicholas has demonstrated his versatility and talent across a range of projects.
 

In his latest endeavors, Nicholas starred in the highly anticipated Prime Video film, THE IDEA OF YOU, alongside Anne Hathaway, garnering global attention and praise. The trailer alone broke the record for the most-watched trailer for any original streaming movie, and the film went on to become Amazon MGM Studios’ No. 1 romantic comedy debut of all time. The film made its world premiere as the coveted closing night screening at SXSW before attracting nearly 50 million worldwide viewers in its first two weeks on Prime Video. Also this spring, Nicholas took on the co-leading role in the Sky original series MARY & GEORGE opposite Julianne Moore. Nicholas’s performance has garnered the attention of the press, calling his performance “the electric energy underpinning the new seven-part series.” The series made its UK premiere on March 5th and recently aired its finale episode in the US via STARZ. 

Nicholas's previous roles include his standout performance in Prime Video's RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE, based on the bestselling novel of the same name. The film became the #1 movie worldwide on Prime Video at the time of launch, cultivating a massive global fanbase, and boasts a “Certified Fresh” audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. A sequel is currently in the works. Nicholas also starred in Netflix’s massively successful PURPLE HEARTS as the male lead opposite Sofia Carson, directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum. Not only was PURPLE HEARTS the #1 film on the platform worldwide for three consecutive weeks, but at the time of release, it also became the 7th most successful Netflix film of all time, ahead of The Kissing Booth 2 and The Irishman. Nicholas’s other credits include BOTTOMS (2023), CINDERELLA (2021), HANDSOME DEVIL (2016), and THE BEAT BENEATH MY FEET (2014).

Amazon MGM Studios Press Contacts:
Jenna Klein | klejenna@amazon.com

Maddie Mitrano | madmitrj@amazon.com
 

Mattel Press Contacts: 
Niki Kazakos | niki.kazakos@mattel.com

Casey McDonald | casey.mcdonald@mattel.com

Nicholas Galitzine Press Contacts:
Amanda Silverman | Amanda.Silverman@ledecompany.com

Kate Rosen | Kate.Rosen@ledecompany.com

Alex Labrie | Alex.Labrie@ledecompany.com