Nicholas Galitzine ‘Felt Like a Fraud’ When He First Tried on the He-Man Costume for “Masters of the Universe” (Exclusive)

Nicholas Galitzine has embarked on a transformative journey for his latest role as He-Man in the much-anticipated film, “Masters of the Universe.” The British actor, known for his romantic roles in “Red, White & Royal Blue” and “The Idea of You,” faced the demanding task of embodying one of the most iconic characters in pop culture history. The preparation required was nothing short of monumental, with Galitzine consuming daily caloric intake of 5,000 calories and dedicating months to intense weight training.

In an interview, Galitzine reflected on the challenges and pressures of stepping into He-Man’s shoes, a character previously portrayed by Dolph Lundgren in the 1987 film. “When I first tried on the costume, I genuinely felt like a fraud,” he admitted. Galitzine recalled expressing his insecurities to director Travis Knight, questioning whether the production team should consider someone else for the role. His initial doubts stemmed from the magnitude of the character’s physicality and the pressure to live up to established expectations.

He-Man, originally introduced as a Mattel action figure in 1982, gained immense popularity through the subsequent animated series that began airing in 1983. To successfully take on this legendary role, Galitzine recognised that a physical transformation was imperative. “I knew that the physical transformation was going to be a challenge,” he stated, acknowledging the rigorous training regime he undertook to achieve the muscle-bound physique necessary for the character.

Galitzine’s training regimen involved more than just building muscle; it also required a mental shift. He described the creative process as one that often involves striving for an ideal that seems elusive. “The pursuit of trying to achieve that unattainable thing is really the driving force that I think a lot of us creatives deal with,” he explained, drawing inspiration from the challenges of both past and present portrayals of He-Man.

Despite the struggles, Galitzine found the time spent on the project rewarding. “It became about trusting the process,” he noted. With a supportive environment allowing him ample time to eat well and engage in his physical training, he gradually grew into the character. His commitment to the role paid off, with Galitzine expressing a deep connection not only to He-Man but also to the substantial crew, which comprised around 400 to 500 people. He fondly remembered the camaraderie they developed throughout the extensive shoot.

This lengthy undertaking lasted nearly two years, commencing with Galitzine’s casting mid-2024. While such an extended timeline brought its own set of insecurities, it also provided him with the opportunity to deeply explore the character he was portraying. “Doubts creep in,” he admitted, “and you have to go home, re-energize, and come back with a fresh perspective.” This introspection ultimately enabled him to build a profound understanding of He-Man as a character that transcends mere physical strength.

Reflecting on the emotional impact of finishing the project, Galitzine conveyed that saying goodbye was one of the toughest farewells he has experienced in his career. “It was the longest job of my career, but it was special for different reasons,” he concluded, hinting at the meaningful connections he made along the way.

As “Masters of the Universe” hits theatres, Galitzine hopes audiences will feel the warmth and depth of the project. “There is a warmth and a purity to this project that seems to be in every iteration of it,” he expressed, capturing the essence of what he believes makes the franchise resonate with fans worldwide. The film, rich with nostalgia and new interpretations, aims to engage both die-hard fans and newcomers alike, while celebrating the legacy of a character that has captured hearts for decades.