Fans Are Losing It After This ‘Masters of the Universe’ First Look at CinemaCon

The highly anticipated Masters of the Universe film has made its first major splash at CinemaCon, debuting exclusive behind-the-scenes footage that’s already generating a wave of excitement among fans. While there was some initial skepticism when the live-action adaptation was first announced, the buzz surrounding the movie is now beginning to shift in a more positive direction.

Starring Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, Masters of the Universe has faced its share of doubts. From the moment the project was revealed, fans of the original 1980s cartoon were concerned about how the beloved characters would be brought to life on screen. Early set photos did little to quell these worries, but the new footage shown at CinemaCon 2025 has offered a refreshing new perspective.

Behind the Scenes: A Glimpse of What’s to Come

At CinemaCon, director Travis Knight unveiled a sizzle reel packed with footage from the ongoing production of Masters of the Universe. While the footage has yet to be released online, reactions from those in attendance have been overwhelmingly positive. According to early reports, the sizzle reel focused on the authenticity of the adaptation, aiming for a balance between visual accuracy and practicality in the live-action format.

One standout aspect of the footage, noted by DiscussingFilm, is the emphasis on creating a realistic, grounded portrayal of the fantasy world of Eternia, without venturing into the realm of the absurd. The film appears to stay true to the aesthetic of the original toy line and animated series, while bringing a modern, cinematic flair to the universe.

The Hollywood Reporter offered a glimpse into the intense preparation of the cast, particularly Galitzine. Describing the actor’s rigorous training regimen, the publication highlighted his work with swordplay and weightlifting, skills necessary for the physical demands of playing He-Man. The footage also showcased Galitzine in full costume, fueling further excitement among fans eager to see how the actor embodies the iconic role.

OH MY GOD. Masters of the Universe looks HEAVENLY. He-Man fans are going to eat this up. #CinemaCon

— Hunter Bolding (@HunterBVideo) April 3, 2025

Fans React with Optimism

Social media reactions have been abuzz with excitement after the footage was shared, signaling a shift in sentiment toward the film. Early skepticism, which was prevalent following the announcement of the project, appears to be giving way to growing optimism. Attendees at CinemaCon were particularly impressed with the high level of detail in the costumes and the production design, which many noted were highly faithful to the original series.

“I can’t believe how spot on the costumes are,” one attendee shared on Twitter. “The sword, the sets, everything looks just like the cartoon — it’s amazing.”

We just got a first look at the ‘MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE’ movie and to say we’re wowed is an understatement. The costumes and set pieces all look incredibly faithful to the toys and the production design is top notch. Travis Night seems to have cracked the code. #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/j0XnYUdt1u

— One Take @ CinemaCon 🎬 (@OneTakeNews) April 3, 2025

The visuals were praised for their bold, vibrant colors and larger-than-life set pieces, echoing the cartoon’s signature style. Many fans took to social media to express how the production design reminded them of the fantastical world they had cherished as children. “The sword is perfect. The sets are breathtaking. Eternia is HUGE,” another tweet raved.

Some fans have even speculated that the film might become a massive box office hit, with one tweet asking, “Who said $1 billion box office for Masters of the Universe?” While it’s still early to predict the film’s financial success, the enthusiasm surrounding the footage certainly indicates that the movie has the potential to attract a wide audience.

A Faithful Adaptation, and the Return to Eternia

One of the most striking aspects of the footage shared at CinemaCon was its focus on staying faithful to the source material. As previously mentioned, the design of the costumes, the sets, and the characters themselves closely mirror those from the original animated series and toy line, providing fans with a sense of nostalgia.

Just one more thing about the #AmazonMGM panel at #CinemaCon – with many considering it the best among the studios so far – is the high praise to their first look of #MastersOfTheUniverse, for following a Universal approach instead of #Disney or #Netflix, with an extremely… pic.twitter.com/6YXD8wknT5

— Luiz Fernando (@Luiz_Fernando_J) April 3, 2025

In addition to Galitzine’s He-Man, other characters from the Masters of the Universe universe will be making appearances. The footage also teased glimpses of He-Man’s iconic sword, his battle armor, and the world of Eternia, which is being brought to life with a level of detail rarely seen in live-action adaptations of animated properties.

In an interview at the event, director Travis Knight shared his vision for the film, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the heart of the Masters of the Universe franchise while making it accessible for modern audiences. “We want to bring the world of He-Man to life in a way that honors the past but also feels fresh and exciting,” Knight said. “This isn’t just a nostalgia trip — it’s a whole new adventure.”

Knight also addressed the challenges of adapting a property that’s so ingrained in pop culture. “It’s a delicate balance,” he explained. “The challenge is to respect the material that people love, but also make sure the story resonates with today’s audience. I think we’ve found that sweet spot.”

Nicholas Galitzine Takes Center Stage

The casting of Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man has been one of the most discussed elements of the film since its announcement. Known for his roles in The Craft: Legacy and Purple Hearts, Galitzine is stepping into a role that has long been associated with muscular, larger-than-life characters.

However, early set photos revealed a noticeable transformation in the actor’s physique, leading to speculation that Galitzine had been hitting the gym in preparation for the role. Recent photos from a GQ Germany photoshoot, showcasing the actor’s impressive new look, have only fueled the excitement among his fans. The transformation has garnered significant attention on social media, with many commenting on how the actor has embraced the physicality of the character.

“Has Nicholas Galitzine gone from twink to twunk?” one Twitter user jokingly asked. Regardless of how he’s categorized, there’s no doubt that Galitzine’s portrayal of He-Man will be a major draw for fans when the film hits theaters.

Looking Ahead to June 2026

With the Masters of the Universe live-action film set for release on June 5, 2026, anticipation is building to a fever pitch. While we’re still over a year away from the movie’s premiere, the first look at the film has given fans much to look forward to. If the buzz from CinemaCon is any indication, Masters of the Universe could become one of the most talked-about films of the year, both for its stunning visuals and its faithful portrayal of a beloved franchise.

For now, fans are eagerly awaiting the next update, hoping for more glimpses of the world of Eternia and the cast that will bring it to life on the big screen. As the countdown to the release continues, one thing is for certain: Masters of the Universe is shaping up to be a spectacle worth watching.