Ahead of their official presentation at CinemaCon, Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel hosted a private screening for press to preview select footage from the upcoming Masters of the Universe film. Director Travis Knight was joined by lead actors Nicholas Galitzine (He-Man) and Camila Mendes (Teela) to introduce approximately 20 minutes of footage across three distinct sequences.
A New Take on Skeletor's Ambitions
During his introduction, Knight addressed how this iteration differs from the classic animation. He noted that while the original Filmation cartoon often featured a repetitive cycle of Skeletor creating schemes only to be defeated, this film explores a darker possibility: what happens if he actually succeeds?
The first sequence in the Masters of the Universe footage depicts a high-stakes siege on the capital city of Eternos. As Skeletor’s (Jared Leto) forces breach the walls, Duncan/Man-at-Arms (Idris Elba) attempts to lead King Randor (James Purefoy), Queen Marlena (Charlotte Riley), and a young Prince Adam to safety.
The escape attempt goes south when Trap Jaw and a group of henchmen intercept them. While Man-at-Arms fights to buy the royal family time, Skeletor’s horde eventually surrounds them. In a moment of calculated cruelty, Skeletor allows Marlena and Adam to flee while his troops seize Randor. The scene concludes with a comedic yet telling moment: after delivering a grand supervillain monologue, Skeletor becomes visibly irked when his crew fails to react to his dramatic crescendo.
Adam's Journey from Earth to Eternia
The film takes a significant narrative leap in the second sequence, jumping 15 years into the future. We find Adam living on Earth, having been sent there for protection, though he lost his legendary sword during the transition. After years of searching, Adam finally recovers the weapon, only to be immediately arrested.
Key plot points from this sequence include:
- Adam's life on Earth: A struggle to find his place after being labeled "crazy" by those around him.
- The sudden invasion: A chaotic scene on a highway overpass where Beast Man begins attacking vehicles.
- A surprising reunion: Adam is brutally beaten by Beast Man until Teela arrives to blast the creature away and bring Adam home.
The Transformation into He-Man
The final sequence brings the action back to Eternia, featuring Adam, Teela, and Man-at-Arms fighting off Trap Jaw on a bridge. In a moment of levity, Adam attempts to use "conflict resolution skills" learned from his Earth office job, which proves useless against the mechanical brute.
As the tide turns against them, the Sorceress (Morena Baccarin) appears overhead, prompting Adam to finally embrace his destiny. The transformation sequence is the centerpiece of this footage:
- Adam begins the iconic incantation: "By the power of Grayskull!"
- Lightning crackles through the sky as he lifts the Power Sword.
- His body levitates and his clothing magically transforms into gladiatorial armor.
- The transformation completes as he becomes the musclebound He-Man, declaring, "I have the power!!!"
Nicholas Galitzine shared insights into filming this pivotal moment, noting that he chose not to over-rehearse the lines. He wanted the incantation to feel like a raw, emotional vindication for a character who has spent his entire life feeling out of place.
Masters of the Universe is scheduled to arrive in theaters on June 5, 2026.
