The brand new Masters of the Universe movie is dropping later this year, and looks to be an entertaining popcorn flick, but the film has an uphill battle to not only bring these characters to the realm of live action (1987 film notwithstanding) but to also bring these characters into the forefront of modern day audiences.
A big chunk of the modern day audience might not really be aware of these characters, or even Eternia.
So, consider me your guide to quickly break down the key characters that are confirmed to appear in the movie as well as the original storyline. My goal is to give you the context you need.
The Original 1983 Series
So kicking off with the original 1983 series titled He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Set on the vibrant planet of Eternia, the story centers on the royal family of Eternos. While King Randor and Queen Marlena believe their son Prince Adam is a carefree and clumsy prince, he is secretly the chosen protector of Castle Grayskull.
Whenever the dark sorcerer Skeletor threatens the realm, Adam uses his Power Sword to transform into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe. This secret is shared by only a select few: the Sorceress of Grayskull, the royal inventor Man-At-Arms, and the bumbling but loyal Orko. The show was famous for its unique setting, mixing sci-fi with fantasy elements where laser-firing tanks coexisted with ancient magic and mythical creatures.
The series was also known to typically end with a moral lesson intended for the young audience, turning a series originally designed to sell toys into a life lesson distributor focused on friendship, honesty, and courage. While only lasting two seasons of television, each season did consist of 65 episodes each, making it the longest standing out of the two versions of the show.
The 2002 Reboot Series
The 2002 series however was a ground-up reimagining that traded the “lesson of the day” format for a deep, lore-heavy storyline. This version aged up the target audience, introducing a teenage Prince Adam who was forced to grow into his destiny. Unlike the 80s version where Adam was already a towering figure, the 2002 version was more of a lean, slightly awkward teen who physically transformed into a massive, more “barbarian” version ofHe-Man, making the secret identity much more believable.
The 2002 show expanded the history of Eternia by thousands of years. It introduced aspects like King Grayskull, a prehistoric ancestor of Adam who originally wielded the Power Sword to defeat the demonic Hordak. This series also provided a new, tragic origin for Skeletor, revealing him to be Keldor, the half-brother of King Randor (Adams father), who was horribly disfigured by acid during a failed coup. This personal blood feud added a layer of family tragedy to the war for Eternia that had never been explored before.
The series only lasted two seasons but focused on a more serialised way of storytelling, rather than week by week stories.
Moving onto the characters themselves however, this is the confirmed list of characters set to appear in the 2026 film as of now.
He Man (Prince Adam)
Played by Nicholas Galitzine
Originally introduced in the 1982 toyline, he made is first debut in the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe pilot episode way back in 1983.
Since then, he has become an icon of classic 80’s cartoons and action figures and the heart of many reboot and sequel series.
Prince Adam is the young, carefree son of King Randor and Queen Marlena. Often seen as lazy, clumsy and often cowardly but this is all a façade to cover his secret identity of the legendary hero He-Man. For when he wields the Sword of Power and chants the classic line “By the Power of Grayskull” he becomes the most powerful man in the universe.
The film looks largely to keep both his personas more or less accurate (including the pink shirt) though we have yet to see He-Man interact or talk.
Skeletor
Played by Jared Leto
The polar opposite of He-Man and the main villain of the overall storyline. First introduced back in the 1982 toy line, his origins originally kept mysterious but various tie in media linked it as some demonic being from another dimension.
His 1983 version was far more comedic though, yelling at his bumbling minions and even today is often shared via a collection of memes.
His 2002 reboot version redefined his character though and rewrote his origins to be a half brother to King Randor named Keldor. After a failed coup, he seeked help from Evil-Lyn and was transformed into the Skeletor we know today.
The film has nailed his physical appearance but we have yet to see how Jared Leto performs the role and if they go for a more physically imposing villain over the humour side of things.
Teela
Played by Camila Mendes
Teela was introduced back in the 1982 toy line as the only female action figure in the wave 1 set. Though looking different from her 1983 cartoon counterpart. Interestingly her figure was shown as a Warrior Goddess and had a snake-themed headpiece and staff.
When introduced in the TV series she was reimagined as he daughter of Man-At-Arms and was the Captain of the Royal Guard. Though a capable fighter however, she was often depicted as the damsel in distress (it was the 80’s)
Her later counterparts both in the 2002 series and the follow up Netflix series gave Teela her own urgency however and living up to the title of Captain of the Royal Guard.
She is a fierce and independent tactician and briefly took the lead role in the 2021 follow up series on Netflix.
The movie counterpart appears to be the one leading the charge to bring Prince Adam from Earth to Eternia to help in the fight against Skeletor. Giving off a similar vibe to Valkyrie in Thor Ragnarok.
Man-At-Arms
Played by Idris Elba
The first of many characters with hilarious names. Man-At-Arms was again part of the original line of 1982 toys. Looking different than his animated counterpart in smaller ways, his design was based on Spanish Conquistadors before the marketing team insisted on adding wires and hoses in order to capitalise on the Star Wars craze and to give it more of a sci-fi feel.
It also lacked his moustache which was added for the 1983 TV series, which in the series he was the right hand man to He-Man and the teams ‘tech guy’ often used for the origins to all the weapons and vehicles. He is one of the few characters who knows Prince Adams secret and is also the adoptive father to Teela.
Bringing the man to life on the big screen is the legendary Idris Elba, from the footage we have seen of him, the man is doing him justice while also steering away from the builder to more of a military vet.
The Sorceress
Played by Morena Baccarin
What seems to be a growing trend, The Sorceress was not in the original toyline from 1982 but instead, first introduced as a giant falcon named Zoar. With no reference to the bird being a transformed woman until the 1983 Filmation series redid the story and she was Teela Na, a woman who took up the mantle of Guardian and became bound to Castle Grayskull, she can only leave by transforming into the Falcon previously depicted in the 1982 toyline. It was not until 1987 when she got her actual human form in a action figure. It was further explored in the 2002 reboot when she was made the biological mother to Teela.
In the latest teaser, we do see glimpses of her falcon form as well as her being there when a young Adam sent away to Earth, no close ups of her yet though.
King Randor
Played by James Purefoy
King Randor appears to have a unique standing in the action figure community, this is due to him not getting an action figure until 1987 but instead of an original build, it instead used a previous villain’s body with a new head and accessories to create him. This also meant he was rocking some furry boots and strange armour.
In the original 1983 series he was a cliché Wise King who showed disappointment towards his son Prince Adam (unaware of his He-Man title). In the 2002 reboot he was fleshed out with a military history and became the half brother to Keldor, the man who would become Skeletor.
Played by James Purefoy in the 2026 series, this looks to flesh out the relationship between him and his wife Queen Marlena.
Queen Marlena
Played by Charlotte Riley
So despite being part of the 1983 series, Queen Marlena never actually had an action figure produced until 2011 when the ‘classic MOTU’ line was released.
Interestingly, her 1983 series origins had her as an astronaut from Earth whose ship was knocked off course and crashed on Eternia. This is where she met a young King Randor and they later had Prince Adam.
The 2002 series downplayed this storyline though upped her fighting skills.
The 2026 movie will inevitably focus on her origin and how she came to be stranded on Eternia.
Evil-Lyn
Played by Alison Brie
Kicking off the second wave of action figures in the toy line, money saving meant her body was just a remould of the Teela figure.
In the 1983 series she was the master of disguise and the brains of Skeletor’s team. Unlike the rest of Skeletors entourage, she was competent and her alliance was purely for her own gains.
In the 2002 remake they padded out her past with a deep and sad backstory involving her father and her being the one to find Keldor and turn him into Skeletor. They appear to have gone from a romance to resentment.
Played by the ever talented Alison Brie, her brief appearance in the trailers shows the look is down to a T and she might be more intimidating than her animated counterpart.
Trap Jaw
Played by Sam C. Wilson
Now leaning into the more bizarre designed characters, Trap Jaw was first brought in on the second wave of action figures, and quickly became a huge hit due to his build and accessories. His arm could be swapped out for a hook, a laser claw or what looks to be a fly swatter/cruncher. While his jaw was also moveable so he could bite down on his foes.
In the 1983 series he was played mostly for laughs rather than a legitimate intimidating foe despite how scary his appearance could be.
It was not until the 2002 reboot where he was made much darker. Originally a criminal called Kronis, Skeletor shattered his jaw and ripped off his arm, but then had Tri-Klops rebuild him with robotic parts and make him a mindless but loyal slave to Skeletor.
Seen very briefly in the latest teaser, he looks to be very loyal to the originals design though we have only seen him from behind as of yet.
Fisto
Played by Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson
Fisto is one of those character names that does not work outside of the 80’s. Originally coming out of the third wave of action figures, he was popular due to his spring loaded arm where when you twist his waist and released, he would deliver a power punch to his foes.
His 1983 series counterpart was a reformed villain who changed his ways after encountering He-Man and lives in a forest.
His 2002 reboot changed him entirely and made him the brother of Man-At-Arms who was a disgraced soldier. He lost his arm in a battle with Skeletor’s forces while saving his brother and it was replaced with a giant cybernetic one
Though having such an unfortunate name in his 80’s origins, it was since changed to Battle Fist.
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson will be bringing this character to life in the 2026 live action with his intimidating build, though jury is out on whether he will use the name Fisto in the final product! He can be briefly seen in the latest trailers.
Roboto
Played by Kristen Wiig (voice)
Another unique build in the action figure lineup. First released in the forth wave, the figure had a transparent body with visible turning gears and a mouth piece that would also move. Same as Trap Jaw, he also had interchangeable arms. It seems the villians of the MOTU toyline had much more to do than the main heroes.
The 1983 series had him as a damaged alien space explorer from a place called Robotica (80’s names!) where Man-At-Arms repairs him. The 2002 series reimagined him as build by Man-At-Arms and was a simple chess playing robot before upgrading himself to help fight.
The 2026 film is flipping the gender of Roboto while keeping its heart as the core. Seen briefly on the ship the rest of the team is on, she’s taking on a large blue robot design (if that is Roboto that is!)
Mekaneck
Played by James Wilkinson
Another character with a ridiculous appearance, making his debut in the third wave of toys, his gimmick was his neck extended when you twist his waist.
In the 1983 series he was a normal man who got injured during a magical storm while searching for his son. Man-At-Arms saved his life by rebuilding him with bionic parts and making him a loyal scot for King Randor.
The 2002 remake largely kept him the same though with an inferiority complex. Though upgraded his powers to not just stretch his neck but to turn around corners too.
The 2026 movie version appeared in some set leaks and appears to keep his powers and some of his look so I’m curious how it will come across on the big screen.
Ram-Man
Played by Jon Xue Zhang
One of the more unique figures in the toy line, appearing in the second wave of toys. He had a unique design with a spring loaded mechanism in his feet.
In the 1983 series he was a slow witted but gentle giant, he was also quite short and often the comic relief. The 2002 reboot changed him drastically and made him the largest hero on He-Man’s side. He also had a metal plate embedded in his skull to give him more substance as the titled Ram-Man.
Played by famed stuntman Jon Xue Zhang, I’ve not spotted him in the trailers but no doubt he will be knocking down walls and aiding He-Man in the final battle.
Tri-Klops
Played by Kojo Attah
One of the most recognised toys from the MOTU line, first appearing in the second wave, he had a rotating visor with different powers for each eye. His figure also came with a wearable ring for the child.
In the 1983 series he was one of Skeletors more competent henchmen for the most part. Often paired up with Beastman.
His 2002 counterpart changed him to a mad scientist and inventor who was responsible for creating Trap Jaw and many other weapons for Skeletor. His power was also just a piece of equipment rather than a mutation.
Beast Man
Making his appearance in the first wave of toys, he was originally conceived as the main villain before Skeletor came about. He was given a unique mould design compared to the other figures.
In the 1983 series he was the loyal henchman to Skeletor and had the ability to telepathically control other animals and monsters. While loyal, he was often the punching bag for Skeletor and hilariously called a “brainless boob”.
In the 2002 reboot he was turned into a legitimate threat and sizeable monster.
The 2002 version is what the 2026 film will largely take from, based off the scenes filmed in Canary Wharf last year which had He-Man trying to avoid a giant Beast Man from killing him, briefly we see this scene in the trailers as he leaps off a police car.
Goat Man
Played by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson
Finally we have the reason I kicked off this research process. Goat Man was never in any of the wave of MOTU toy lines and only appeared as an action figure in a 2014 convention exclusive pick up to the MOTU Classics line. In fact, up until the Netflix Continuation series MOTU: Revelation that he became a legitimately canon member of Skeletors army.
His first appearance was in a 1985 Golden Book titled Secret of the Dragon’s Egg.
He is by far the strangest addition to the 2026 Live Action film, played by an incredibly intimidating 6ft 9 Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson. As he has barely had a mark in any of the shows of the past, nor any old time action figures, there is not much to go off on how his Live Action version will play out.
That’s a wrap! These are all who are currently confirmed to appear in the 2026 Masters of the Universe movie, though no doubt we will have a surprise bonus character or two popping up not yet announced!
Be sure to check out our review of the film when it drops later this year!
