As the highly anticipated Masters of the Universe re-emerges in 2026, excitement is building around the potential involvement of Dolph Lundgren, the actor who first brought He-Man to life in the cult classic 1987 film. This nostalgic flick captured audiences with its campy charm and imaginative take on the characters from Eternia, blending fantasy with reality. The new live-action adaptation is directed by Travis Knight and boasts a star-studded cast, including Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, alongside Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, Idris Elba, and Jared Leto. The film is set to be released on June 5, 2026, under the banner of Amazon MGM Studios.
In a recent interview with Men’s Journal, Lundgren reflected fondly on his iconic role, discussing both his time as the sword-wielding hero and his thoughts about the upcoming reboot, which has recently completed filming. Lundgren had high praise for the scale and talent behind the new project, and when asked about a potential cameo, he teased, “It’s a bit of a secret, but I can’t say much.”
“If you think a new He-Man movie makes you feel old, I feel old! I was in it! They’ve been trying to remake the picture for at least 15 years, and I’m glad they’re doing it. There’s a great cast, a great crew. It’s a big budget picture with MGM/Amazon. I think they’re doing a great job.”
“Prince Adam has a bit more romanticism to the character than other superheroes. Marvel and DC are a little harder-edged. There’s something magical and childlike about it. And even though they’re kind of making an adult picture, there’s something soft and positive about that character.”
“It’s a bit of a secret, but I can’t say much. But yeah, maybe I’ll get involved somehow. We’ll see.”
Reviving the Legacy of He-Man
Though Lundgren has neither confirmed nor denied his participation in the 2026 Masters of the Universe film, his cryptic hints suggest something is brewing behind the scenes. Given the franchise’s history with interdimensional travel and magical elements like the Cosmic Key, a cameo from Lundgren would be seamlessly integrated into the storyline. Imagining a multiverse moment, where the original He-Man is reintroduced as an alternate version of himself or a wise mentor, is certainly within the realm of possibility.
Such cameos have surged in popularity within modern reboots, tapping into the rich nostalgia that fans crave. Lundgren’s return could serve as a bridge between generations, much like the accomplished nostalgia showcased in films like Spider-Man: No Way Home, which drew fans from various eras together on screen. Even a minor role could allow Lundgren to acknowledge his lasting legacy while passing the torch to Galitzine’s He-Man.
A Tribute to the Past and a Promise for the Future
Fans yearning for Lundgren’s return will find his openness to rejoining the franchise appealing. While the 1987 film may have been more of a cult classic than a mainstream spectacle, his portrayal of He-Man indelibly shaped the character’s identity. Including him in the 2026 film wouldn’t merely be a nod to nostalgia; it could symbolize the evolution of He-Man in a way that resonates with long-time supporters and new audiences alike. Lundgren’s presence could lend both depth and emotional weight as the film continues to carve its place in cinematic history.
As we count down to the release of Masters of the Universe, the possibilities seem endless. Lundgren’s legacy intertwines with the franchise, and fans eagerly await to see how the filmmakers will honor that past while forging ahead into a vibrant new chapter.
Source: Men’s Journal