Mumbai, Actors Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Mendes, who starred in “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe”, were able to fully understand the massive global popularity surrounding the iconic superhero character He-Man only when they were cast in the film adaptation.
The new film is based on Mattel’s famous toy line, which inspired a successful animated TV series in 1983 and a movie in 1987, starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe.
Galitzine, known for his romantic dramas “Red, White and Royal Blue,” “The Idea of ​​You” and comedy film “Bottoms,” portrayed the iconic character of He-Man in “Masters of the Universe.” The actor said he was unaware of the franchise’s legacy in India, where He-Man became a favorite childhood superhero in the late 1980s.
“I didn’t know it would be this massive in India. While getting into the roles we both realized the magnitude of the following, and we have to remember that this is a 40-year-old piece of IP,” the actor told PTI in a virtual interview.
Directed by Travis Knight, the live-action film tells the story of Prince Adam, who is pulled back to Eternia by a sword of mysterious power, where he finds his world shattered under the brutal rule of Skeletor. Actress Camila Mendes plays the warrior Teela.
Mendes said that both he and Galitzine knew only a little about He-Man’s popularity and had to study the history of the franchise after getting the roles.
“Mattel sent both of us a big box of comic books, toys, and a lot of information at our fingertips. Then we both went and watched every single iteration of the cartoons we made, and the ’80s live-action movie. It’s very rare that you get a chance to dive into a project that has so much love surrounding it. So, that’s when we really started to familiarize ourselves with it,” said Mendes, who is best known for her role as Veronica Lodge on “Riverdale.” Known for, said.
Galitzine said that through interactions with fans, he learned how eager parents are to introduce their children to He-Man, highlighting the franchise’s strong cross-generational appeal.
The actor said, “There are people for whom it’s their entire childhood; it’s very nostalgic for them. The most exciting thing is talking to people who grew up with it, who are so excited to show their kids and are going to use it as something to connect with their kids. I’ve met parents who can’t wait to share it with their kids, it’s exciting.”
Both actors also opened up about the intense physical and emotional preparation required for the film.
Mendes began training in September 2024 before flying to London in November for a grueling, months-long boot camp with a very specific diet and workout routine.
“I think Nick had to make the most sacrifices. The biggest sacrifice for me was living in London for seven months, away from friends and family; it’s really hard. But when you live there you make new friends, and they become your new family, your work family.”
The actor said that the intense physical demands of the project forced him to live like a “hermit” during filming.
Galitzine said that the process was “very challenging” and that she needed to trust the coaches who guided her transformation.
She said, “Cami and I both love staying in shape but it’s a completely different thing; it’s the physical transformation. So, we had to rely on a lot of people; it was very, very scary. But it was just a function of trusting the process, and mentally, you have to go out there every day and trust the people around you.”
Galitzine said she had to be completely isolated and focused during filming, with no room for normal activities like eating out.
“That whole time you’re filming, you’re just hunched over, extremely focused.”
For Galitzine, another major challenge was to deliver the iconic catchphrase, ‘I have the power’. He admitted that he was “very nervous” and realized the emotional gravity of the line.
“I definitely felt the weight of it. For Adam, especially in our iteration, he’s a guy who’s just had to suffer his whole life, he’s had to flee his home planet, and no one believes he is who he says he is. I was obviously very nervous leading up to filming it and was very relieved that Travis liked my interpretation.”
Starring Alison Brie, James Purefoy and Morena Baccarin, the film hails from Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Studios. It is scheduled to release in theaters on June 5.
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