The original He-Man actor Dolph Lundgren is giving a perfect score to his replacement. The 69-year-old action star recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming Masters of the Universe reboot. He also offered a strong opinion about why He-Man stands apart from the crowded field of superheroes today.
Lundgren, who played the iconic character in the 1987 film, thinks the new movie has something special that other big franchises do not have. The actor spoke exclusively to Hindustan Times ahead of the reboot’s release. He made it clear that he is a fan of the new direction and the actor taking over his famous role.
Dolph Lundgren Says ‘Masters of the Universe’ is a Fairytale, Not Just a Superhero Film
The original star believes the He-Man franchise has a unique quality that sets it apart from Marvel movies. He explained that Masters of the Universe feels more like a fairytale than a typical superhero story. This difference gives the character a special charm that other heroes lack.
“Masters of the Universe has some kind of fairytale quality to it, which is unusual. Some of the other superhero pictures don’t have (that). Some of the Marvel characters don’t have that charming quality,” Lundgren said.
This fairytale aspect is what made the original 1980s toy line and cartoon so popular. The new movie tries to bring that same sense of wonder back to the big screen. Unlike the darker tone of many modern superhero films, Eternia is a world of magic, monsters, and epic battles between good and evil.
Lundgren Gives Successor Nicholas Galitzine a Perfect 10/10 Score
Dolph Lundgren did not hold back when praising Nicholas Galitzine, the actor now playing Prince Adam and his alter ego He-Man. The veteran star rated the new leading man a perfect score. He believes the casting team could not have found a better choice.
“I rate him 10 out of 10. I don’t think you could find a better choice to play the comedy, sensitivity, and to look the part,” Lundgren stated. He noted that playing He-Man is a very difficult task, similar to playing Superman. There is a massive amount of expectation from fans. Still, Lundgren is confident that Galitzine has done a great job.
Galitzine had big shoes to fill. The role requires an actor to be funny, emotional, and physically strong all at once. The new star reportedly trained very hard for the part, eating 4,000 calories a day and doing months of sword work to get ready.
Passing the Sword: Lundgren Reflects on the Legacy Role
The original He-Man actor sees this reboot as a passing of the torch. Lundgren was 30 years old when he made the first movie. Nicholas Galitzine is now 31. The timing feels right for a new generation to discover the character.
“It feels great that the legacy is being carried on to a new generation. It’s an iconic movie, and they have done a great job. I love the film, and I like Nicholas. He is fabulous with the comedy and the sensitive scenes, and he has also built himself up pretty well.” — Dolph Lundgren on the reboot
Lundgren also offered a piece of fatherly advice to his successor. He warned that fame comes with hardships. “I wish him all the best, and I hope he will deal with the fame and the hardships that lie ahead, the trials and tribulations he’ll face,” the actor said.
The veteran actor even makes a cameo appearance in the new film. He appears on Earth rather than in Eternia. This small role works as a symbolic moment, representing the official handover of the franchise to a new hero.
The Original He-Man Had to Wear a ‘Leather Diaper’
The physical demands of playing He-Man are extreme. Both Lundgren and Galitzine recently sat down to compare their training and costumes. Lundgren famously had to wear a very revealing costume in 1987, which he humorously called a “leather diaper.” Galitzine got a slightly more modest leather skirt in the new version.
Despite the small upgrade, Galitzine admitted he felt just as exposed. “Look, I felt the same way. That is the challenge of playing He-Man in a way,” he told Men’s Journal. He joked that the crew got very used to seeing him in his underwear every day.
Lundgren also made a sharp comment about modern superhero movies. He pointed out that many actors in Marvel films wear muscle suits. “That actor didn’t have to work out that much, whereas Nick… We had it the hard way!” Lundgren exclaimed.
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‘Masters of the Universe’ Opens in Theaters Worldwide on June 5
The new Masters of the Universe movie is finally ready for audiences. Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films spent a reported $180 million to bring Eternia to life. Travis Knight, known for directing Bumblebee, is at the helm.
The film will be released in theaters on June 5, 2026. It will also be shown on IMAX screens. IMAX decided to give the film premium screens, which cut short the run of The Mandalorian and Grogu in those theaters.
The cast is packed with big names. Alongside Nicholas Galitzine, the movie stars:
- Camila Mendes as Teela, the Captain of the Royal Guard
- Jared Leto as the villain Skeletor
- Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn
- Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms
- Kristen Wiig, Morena Baccarin, and James Purefoy in other roles
The story follows a young Prince Adam who crashes to Earth as a child. He grows up away from his home planet. As an adult, he must return to Eternia to stop Skeletor from taking over. When he uses the Sword of Power, he transforms into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe.
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