It’s learned the He-Man Masters of the Universe live-action film has cast King Randor and Queen Marlena. The news follows the first look at Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man and Camila Mendes as Teela in a behind-the-scenes image, and the casting of the Sorceress and Fisto.
Who is playing King Randor and Queen Marlena?
Via THR, James Purefoy plays King Randor, the father of Prince Adam/He-Man, and Charlotte Riley plays He-Man’s mother, Queen Marlena.
James Purefoy is known for a plethora of roles including Rome, Pennyworth, Hap and Leonard, John Carter, Solomon Kane, and lots more.
Charlotte Riley is known for Edge of Tomorrow, Smoggie Queens, Dark Heart, Press, and more.
Who is King Randor?
King Randor is the wise and noble ruler of Eternia and the father of Prince Adam, who secretly transforms into He-Man. As a courageous and just leader, Randor is deeply committed to protecting his kingdom from threats, particularly the evil forces of Skeletor. Though unaware of his son’s heroic alter ego, he often expresses pride in Adam’s potential, despite seeing him as carefree and irresponsible. A former Captain of the Guard, Randor’s leadership and battle-hardened experience make him a respected figure among his people and allies.
Who is Queen Marlena?
Queen Marlena is the compassionate and intelligent queen of Eternia, wife of King Randor, and mother of Prince Adam (He-Man) and Princess Adora (She-Ra). Originally an astronaut from Earth named Marlena Glenn, she crash-landed on Eternia and eventually married Randor. Her Earthly origins give her a unique perspective on Eternian affairs, and she often serves as a voice of reason and wisdom in the royal court. While she suspects Prince Adam’s secret identity as He-Man, she respects his choices and supports him unconditionally. Marlena is admired for her grace, diplomacy, and unwavering dedication to her family and kingdom.
He-Man is half-human?
Yep, He-Man is half-human as Queen Marlena is from Earth, which also means She-Ra is half-human.
Two episodes of the original He-Man animated series have ties to Earth with “Rainbow Warrior” where Queen Marlena makes reference to her Earth origins, and there is the “Visitors From Earth” episode. However, I believe, aside from the 1987 Masters of the Universe movie, the animated series never touched ground on Earth. I don’t even think the He-Man movie makes reference to Queen Marlena being from Earth.
How does it fit with the new Masters of the Universe movie?
This is pure speculation, but a description for Masters of the Universe has the flick set on Earth (see below). It seems that possibly, instead of Marlena crashing landing on Eternia, He-Man crash lands on Earth (or both). It also sounds a lot like Superman’s origin. Interestingly enough, it’s said Marlena first having a human origin was created by DC Comics to explain a He-Man/Superman crossover. Personally, I don’t like Marlena having a human origin and always thought of He-Man and Eternia as existing separately. Worth a mention is that the trades have stopped reporting on the following plot info in their recent reports, so maybe it’s been scrapped (hopefully). However, Galitzine has said their film will be “quite different,” which, of course, is a big red flag.
Possible Masters of the Universe plot:
10-year-old Prince Adam who crashed to Earth in a spaceship and was separated from his magical Power Sword—the only link to his home on Eternia. After tracking it down almost two decades later, Prince Adam is whisked back across space to defend his home planet against the evil forces of Skeletor. But to defeat such a powerful villain, Prince Adam will first need to uncover the mysteries of his past and become He-Man: the most powerful man in the Universe!
Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Mendes training for the upcoming ‘MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE’ film. pic.twitter.com/gnQYj8qRmn
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) February 10, 2025
Who stars?
Starring includes Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam and He-Man, Camila Mendes as Teela, Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms, with Jared Leto as Skeletor, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Sam C. Wilson as Trap Jaw, Kojo Attah as Tri-Klops, and Hafthor Bjornsson as Goat Man. Morena Baccarin is playing Sorceress, and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson is playing Fisto.
Release info
Masters of the Universe has a June 5, 2026 release date directed by Travis Knight. The script is from Chris Buttler with first draft by David Callaham, and Aaron and Adam Nee.
(note: featured image of Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man is fan art)
