Nicholas Galitzine, the actor set to play He-Man in the upcoming live-action Masters of the Universe film, provides insight into the intense physical transformation required for the super-human role. Known for his work in romantic films such as The Idea of You and Red, White, and Royal Blue, Galitzine is preparing to portray the iconic hero. After a prolonged development period, the Masters of the Universe movie is set to release in June 2026 and will also star Alison Brie, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, and Jared Leto as the franchise’s iconic villain Skeletor.
During an interview with W Magazine, Galitzine spoke about his daily Masters of the Universe prep routine. He revealed that while consuming 4,000 calories a day is necessary to fuel his body for hours of physical training, it’s not always easy. The actor mentioned the challenge of maintaining such a high-calorie intake while also engaging in demanding workouts. His training includes lifting heavy weights and performing complex stunt work to ensure he can accurately portray the warrior. Check out his comments below:
There’s been a lot of eating and weightlifting, a lot of stunts. I’m eating about 4,000 calories a day, but the amount of physical work I’m doing, you end up hungry at the end of the day, which is quite surprising. This is the fun part. I will eventually go into what’s called the cutting phase, where I’m going to be starved and so rude to everyone. I can only apologize for the person I’m going to become in a few months’ time.
What This Means For Galitzine And The Masters of the Universe Production
Preparing For He-Man Takes Super-Human Preparation
Galitzine’s preparation reflects the level of authenticity the production team is aiming for in Masters of the Universe. Portraying He-Man requires an actor to embody his significant physical prowess and to commit to rigorous training. Galitzine’s intense prep contrasts sharply with the portrayal of He-Man in the 1987 Masters of the Universe film, where Dolph Lundgren’s version emphasized strength but also relied heavily on the aesthetics of the time. By focusing on body transformation and stunt preparation, the new adaptation aims to modernize the character for today’s audiences.
Furthermore, the intense physicality required for He-Man highlights how critical body transformation is becoming for modern superheroes. Galitzine’s routine, which also includes stunt training, not only ensures he’ll look the part but also prepares him to perform in high-action scenes with the necessary believability. However, the action star is no stranger to these requirements, as he underwent some basic Marine training for his role as Luke in Purple Hearts.
In addition to his physical transformation, Galitzine is preparing for what he refers to as the “cutting phase.” This regime involves reducing body fat and sculpting his physique to create the lean look of a warrior. This transition will help the actor achieve the final look expected of He-Man, aligning with the character’s visual portrayal in the original 1983 animated series. With Galtizine now in the thick of training, it seems Masters of the Universe will begin filming within the coming months, a welcome update after the lengthy pre-production.
Our Take on Galitzine’s He-Man Transformation
Galitzine Is Committed To His Role As He-Man
Galitzine’s commitment to becoming He-Man is a smart and necessary move for the Masters of the Universe film. This focus on physical realism is becoming increasingly common in Hollywood, and Galitzine’s approach aligns with that trend. While physical strength is essential for portraying He-Man, the actor’s dedication to his likeness bodes well for his actual performance, as he is taking the part seriously. Beyond physical changes, it will be interesting to see how Galitzine captures the essence of He-Man’s character. With his rigorous preparation, he is gearing up for a performance that promises significant engagement.
Source: W Magazine
Prince Adam returns to Eternia after years on Earth to battle Skeletor. To succeed, he must confront his past and transform into He-Man, harnessing the immense power needed to save his world.
- Character(s)
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Adam / He-Man
, Teela
, Evil-Lyn - Release Date
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June 6, 2026
- Director
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Travis Knight
- Writers
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Chris Butler
, Aaron Nee
, Adam Nee
, Dave Callaham