For years, fans have believed that Chris Hemsworth was born to play the character of He-Man — but this fan-casting only began after he was cast as Thor in the 2011 Marvel Cinematic Universe film of the same name.
That film, along with its three sequels and all of Hemsworth’s other appearances throughout the MCU (the Avengers films), has made him the poster child for mythic muscle and heroic bravado. So it’s no surprise that many fans have been dreaming him into the role of the other mighty blonde male hero.
For many, Thor felt like a Masters of the Universe substitute. Beyond the comparisons between their heroes, both stories are set in fantastical cosmic worlds (with a bit of Earth thrown in for good measure), they feature weird alien characters, and operate in a place where magic, classic sword-and-sorcery fantasy, and technology meet.
But now, with an actual live-action Masters of the Universe reboot slated for June 2026, fans no longer need to dream about seeing He-Man back on the big screen. Although it won’t be Hemsworth picking up the Power Sword.
Related: Chris Hemsworth Replaced as Thor as ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Nears | Disney Dining
Instead, Nicholas Galitzine will take up the mantle of Prince Adam and his musclebound alter ego, He-Man, who was previously portrayed by the legendary Dolph Lundgren in the 1987 film. And early indications suggest he could define the role for a new generation.
Directed by Travis Knight (Bumblebee) and written by Chris Butler (Kubo and the Two Strings), the film has been mostly shrouded in secrecy. A teaser was released a few months ago, showing only the title in multiple languages (you can watch it below).
Aside from that, we’ve had some behind-the-scenes pictures of Galitzine dressed as Prince Adam and a social media tease of him as He-Man, which is mostly a silhouette of him facing away from the camera.
But new reports indicate that test screenings have gone well, though specific reactions remain under wraps.
Galitzine, known for Red, White & Royal Blue and The Idea of You, has expressed excitement for the role, telling his fans on social media, “Well, that’s a wrap on Masters of the Universe. It has been an honour shouldering the responsibility of playing Adam and He Man. It’s been the role of a lifetime and I put everything into it.”
“There’s not much I can show you, but I am so proud of the movie we’ve made,” he continued. “Thanks to our amazing cast and crew for all your hard work.”
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The film also boasts a high-profile cast including Jared Leto as Skeletor, Camila Mendes as Teela, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, and Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms.
The comparison between Galitzine’s Prince Adam/He-Man to Chris Hemsworth’s Thor is inevitable. In addition to the parallels we’ve already mentioned, both characters embody a blend of physicality, heroism, and larger-than-life charisma. While Thor operates within the interconnected MCU, He-Man is being relaunched as the center of a standalone film (for now), giving Galitzine the chance to become synonymous with high-fantasy heroics.
If Masters of the Universe succeeds critically and commercially, Galitzine’s He-Man could eclipse Hemsworth’s Thor in the pop culture sphere. For Hemsworth, the comparison is undoubtedly flattering, but it also signals a shift: audiences may soon look to Eternia, not Asgard, for their next iconic muscular hero.
But with all that said, next year will give us both He-Man and Thor, as Chris Hemsworth will reprise his role in the upcoming crossover event, Avengers: Doomsday, which hits theaters months later, in December.
Which are you looking forward to the most, Masters of the Universe or Avengers: Doomsday? Let us know in the comments down below!
