Nicholas Galitzine, the actor set to play He-Man in the upcoming live-actionMasters of the Universefilm, provides insight into the intense physical transformation required for the super-human role. Known for his work in romantic films such asThe Idea of YouandRed, White, and Royal Blue, Galitzine is preparing to portray the iconic hero. After a prolonged development period, theMasters of the Universemovie is set to releasein 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 withW Magazine, Galitzine spoke about his dailyMasters of the Universeprep 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 mentionedthe 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 inMasters of the Universe. Portraying He-Manrequires 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 1987Masters of the Universefilm, whereDolph Lundgren’s versionemphasized 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 alsoprepares 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 inPurple 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 seemsMasters of the Universewill 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 theMasters of the Universefilm. This focus on physical realism is becoming increasingly common in Hollywood, and Galitzine’s approach aligns with that trend. While physical strength is essential forportraying 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 isgearing up for a performance that promises significant engagement.
Masters of the Universe
Cast
Masters of the Universe (2026) follows Prince Adam nearly two decades after his arrival on Earth as he is summoned back to Eternia. To combat the villainous Skeletor, Adam must unlock the secrets of his past and transform into He-Man, embracing his destiny to save his homeland.
