**Dolph Lundgren Reflects on Passing the He-Man Legacy to Nicholas Galitzine at Premiere of ‘Masters of the Universe’ Remake**
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At the recent premiere of the much-anticipated film ‘Masters of the Universe’ in Los Angeles, iconic actor Dolph Lundgren took a moment to reflect on his role as He-Man and the new direction of the franchise. Lundgren, who originally brought the character to life in the 1987 live-action adaptation, expressed his excitement about handing over the sword to Nicholas Galitzine, the star of the 2026 remake.
Lundgren, now 68, recalled the significance of seeing a new portrayal of He-Man. He stated, “Passing the sword over to Nicholas was a great feeling for me.” His enthusiasm for the project was palpable, highlighting his appreciation for both the new production and for Galitzine’s interpretation of the legendary character. “It’s great that he’s such a fantastic He-Man, and I think it’s a wonderful production,” he added, emphasising his honour at being involved in the project.
The He-Man character first emerged in 1982 as a Mattel action figure and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, bolstered by the launch of the animated series ‘He-Man and the Masters of the Universe’ in 1983. Lundgren’s original portrayal helped cement the character’s status in the pop culture landscape, paving the way for a multitude of adaptations, including comics and films over the decades.
Galitzine, aged 31, is poised to take up the mantle of He-Man in the new film, which is eagerly anticipated by fans of the franchise. Lundgren’s original performance is fondly remembered, but the actor is optimistic about the future, saying, “It’s amazing to realise that there’s still something special about this franchise.” He acknowledged the enduring appeal of the original series and its characters, crediting the creators for crafting something that continues to resonate with audiences.
In addition to Lundgren, the 2026 film boasts an impressive cast that includes Camila Mendes, Jared Leto, Alison Brie, and Idris Elba. Although Lundgren will not reprise his original role, he will make a cameo as a character rooted in reality, rather than returning to the fictional world of Eternia.
The anticipation surrounding Galitzine’s portrayal of He-Man is further buoyed by the actor’s own reflections on his childhood. Earlier this year, he shared a heartfelt Instagram post featuring a He-Man action figure resembling him. He reminisced about playing with action figures as a child, stating, “I kinda think those moments were what birthed my sense of creativity.” His excitement only grew as he expressed disbelief at seeing his likeness immortalised in plastic, thanking Mattel and the team behind the film for bringing his childhood dreams to fruition.
Lundgren’s fondness for the franchise and his support for Galitzine demonstrate a respectful passing of the torch, something that resonates deeply within the legacy of He-Man. The enthusiastic responses from both actors highlight the ongoing impact the character has had across generations.
As the release date for ‘Masters of the Universe’ approaches, slated for June 5, fans can look forward to not only an exciting adaptation of the beloved story but also a continuation of the legacy that Lundgren helped to establish nearly four decades ago. The film represents a blend of nostalgia and innovation, as it seeks to introduce He-Man to a new generation while honouring the roots of the character that have captivated audiences for years.
In a world where superhero narratives continue to evolve, the transition of He-Man from Lundgren to Galitzine signifies the enduring nature of storytelling in popular culture. As audiences prepare to revisit the world of Eternia, it is clear that the spirit of He-Man remains vital, proving that legends can indeed transcend time.