Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films’ live-action Masters of the Universe reboot is circling Idris Elba to play one of He-Man’s key allies. Serving as the second live-action adaptation of Matte’s popular line of He-Man action figures, the property has long struggled to reboot the much-maligned 1987 movie that starred Dolph Lundgren as the heavily muscled prince of Eternia. After plans for a Netflix movie starring Kyle Allen were scrapped in 2023, Amazon MGM Studios would later step in to develop their own version, led by Bumblebee director Travis Knight, which is currently slated for release on June 5, 2026.
Now Amazon MGM Studios have announced that Elba is currently in the final stages of negotiations to join the Masters of the Universe cast as Duncan, AKA Man at Arms. Most recently voiced by Game of Thrones alum Liam Cunningham in Netflix’s Masters of the Universe: Revolution, the character is often depicted as the foster father of Teela, who is set to 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 Lend The Project Some Much-Needed Star Power
Despite the enduring popularity of the He-Man brand both as a top-selling toy line and in animated form, the property has never been given its proper dues in live-action. Not only was 1987’s Masters of the Universe a critical and commercial failure, but repeated attempts at rebooting the property would ultimately stumble before any final product could eventuate.
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Every Actor Who Has Been Cast As He-Man In The Masters Of The Universe Movie (& Why They Left)
The upcoming Masters of the Universe movie has been in development hell for more than a decade and had multiple stars attached to play He-Man.
However, since Amazon’s involvement in the latest iteration of the project, it would seem that He-Man’s long-awaited return to live-action will finally bare fruit. Moreover, given the star power that would come with Elba’s potential involvement, it is likely his presence will serve to elevate the final product in the eyes of even the movie’s most cynical doubters. While negotiations are still ongoing, if Amazon MGM Studios can finalize their deal with Elba, the new Masters of the Universe reboot will likely find itself on the most secure footing yet.
Our Take On Idris Elba Playing Man-At-Arms
Masters of the Universe Could Make Up For Elba’s Underutilized MCU Role
An enormously talented actor, well known for playing quietly commanding and stoic roles, Elba is an exciting pick to join the Masters of the Universe reboot. Likely serving as the wise, archetypal father figure for not only Mendes’ Teela, but also for Prince Adam himself, the role of Duncan could potentially even help make up for Elba’s chronically underdeveloped role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
First cast as the wise and all-seeing Heimdall in 2011’s Thor, sadly, Elba’s true potential was never fully explored as his MCU character found himself increasingly sidelined throughout the franchise’s later entries. Hopefully, however, if Elba does end up boarding Master of the Universe as Man-At-Arms, he will be given a better opportunity to demonstrate exactly how well suited his talents are to fantastical tales of heroic warriors and wise veterans.
Source: Amazon MGM Studios
Prince Adam returns to Eternia after years on Earth to battle Skeletor. To succeed, he must confront his past and transform into He-Man, harnessing the immense power needed to save his world.
- Director
- Travis Knight
- Release Date
- June 6, 2026
- Writers
- Chris Butler , Aaron Nee , Adam Nee , Dave Callaham
- Character(s)
- Adam / He-Man , Teela , Evil-Lyn