Live-action from Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films Masters of the Universe reboot is circling Idris Elba to play one of He-Man’s main allies. Serving as the second live-action adaptation of Matte’s popular He-Man action figure line, the property has long struggled to reboot the much-maligned 1987 film starring Dolph Lundgren as the muscular Prince of Eternia. After plans for a Netflix film starring Kyle Allen were canceled in 2023, Amazon MGM Studios would later step in to develop its own version, led by Bee from director Travis Knight, set for release on June 5, 2026.
Now Amazon MGM Studios has announced that Elba is currently in the final stages of negotiations to join the Masters of the Universe cast as Duncanalso known as Man at Arms. Most recently voiced by Game of Thrones alum Liam Cunningham on Netflix Masters of the Universe: Revolution, the character is often portrayed as Teela’s adoptive father, who will be played by Riverdale’s Camila Mendes. Other previous casting announcements include Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam and Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn.
What Idris Elba’s Casting Could Mean for the Masters of the Universe Reboot
Elba’s involvement will give the project some much-needed star power
Despite the enduring popularity of the He-Man brand as both a best-selling toy line and in animated form, the property never got its due in live action. It wasn’t just 1987 Masters of the Universe a commercial and critical failure, but repeated attempts to restart the property would ultimately stumble before any final product could occur.
However, since Amazon’s involvement in the latest iteration of the project, it appears that He-Man’s long-awaited return to live action will finally come to fruition. Furthermore, given the star power that would come from Elba’s potential involvement, it’s likely that his presence will serve to elevate the final product in the eyes of even the most cynical who doubt the film. While negotiations are still ongoing, if Amazon MGM Studios is able to finalize its deal with Elba, the new Masters of the Universe the reboot will likely find itself in the safest position yet.
Our opinion on Idris Elba playing the man-at-arms
Masters of the Universe could make up for Elba’s underutilized role in the MCU
An extremely talented actor known for playing commanding and stoic roles, Elba is an interesting choice to join the Masters of the Universe restart. Likely serving as the wise, archetypal father figure to not only Mendes’ Teela but also Prince Adam himself, Duncan’s role could even help offset Elba’s chronically underdeveloped role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
First cast as the wise and all-knowing Heimdall in 2011 ThorUnfortunately, Elba’s true potential was never fully explored, as his MCU character found himself increasingly sidelined in the franchise’s later entries. Hopefully, however, if Elba ends up getting on board Master of the Universe as Man-At-Arms, he’ll have a better opportunity to demonstrate exactly how his talents are suited to fantastical tales of heroic warriors and wise veterans.
Source: Amazon MGM Studios