Dolph Lundgren reflects on original 'He-Man' role as Nicholas Galitzine takes over

Dolph Lundgren reflects on passing 'He-Man' to Nicholas Galitzine in masters of the universe reboot and legacy role

Dolph Lundgren has reflected on handing over one of his most iconic roles, describing the transition to Nicholas Galitzine in the upcoming Masters of the Universe reboot as “passing the sword over” nearly four decades after first playing He-Man.

Speaking at the film’s Los Angeles premiere on May 18, Lundgren said seeing a new version of the character on screen felt meaningful. The actor originally portrayed He-Man in the 1987 live-action adaptation of Masters of the Universe, a role that cemented his place in pop culture history.

Now, Galitzine leads the 2026 reboot, stepping into the legendary superhero’s boots in a modern reimagining of the Mattel franchise. Lundgren said it was “a great feeling” to see the character continue with a new generation and praised the production and cast.

“It’s great that he’s such a great He-Man,” Lundgren said, adding that he was honoured to return in a cameo role and offer guidance on set when needed.

The Masters of the Universe franchise, first launched in the 1980s through toys and animation, has remained a long-standing global brand with multiple adaptations over the years. Lundgren noted that its lasting appeal comes from the original concept created in the early 1980s, which continues to resonate with audiences today.

In the new film, Galitzine leads a cast that includes Camila Mendes, Jared Leto, Alison Brie and Idris Elba. Lundgren’s appearance is set on Earth rather than Eternia, marking a symbolic passing of the franchise’s central hero role.

The reboot continues the legacy of one of fantasy cinema’s most recognisable characters when it hits theatres on June 5.