Even the biggest fans of Nicholas Galitzine’s prior hit roles — The Idea of You and Red, White & Royal Blue — might not be able to recognize the star after his jaw-dropping transformation for Masters of The Universe. The 31-year-old British actor bulked up considerably to play the iconic character of He-Man in the upcoming 2026 film.
In the first trailer, which dropped on January 22, Galitzine is almost bulging out of his business-casual work attire before reclaiming his sword and his rightful title as superhero and defender of the universe. The film, also starring Jared Leto, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, and Idris Elba, premieres in theaters on June 5.
Intense Training Regimen Began Over a Year Ago
Galitzine has been bulking up for the role since at least May 2024 when news first broke that he would be cast in Amazon MGM’s new Masters of the Universe film. Since then, fans have been quick to point out his metamorphosis as the actor shared his progress on social media and in interviews. In December 2025, Galitzine told People that getting in He-Man shape was “the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
Prior to the official unveiling of the character, the Mary & George star gave progress updates on his Instagram account as he continued training and filming for the role. “Just a lil BTS and training from the last few months,” he wrote in one caption from June 2025.
Production of the upcoming Masters of the Universe remake took place from February to June on 2025. Galitzine began training well before that, though, simultaneously hitting the gym hard as he filmed 100 Nights of Hero, which premiered in December 2025. Galitzine likely won’t stay in He-Man shape forever, telling People that his grueling workout routine isn’t “something I’d be keen to do or maintain all year round.”
Thursday’s first official trailer for Masters of the Universe shows Galitzine stuck in a humdrum routine of working on a Human Resources department before reclaiming the Sword of Power and returning to his home of Eternia. As He-Man, he fights powerful evil forces, including Skeletor (Leto), to save his planet and all the others. Catch Masters of the Universe in theaters across the United States on June 5.
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