‘Masters of the Universe’: 2026 Movie vs. 1987 Movie vs. ’80s Cartoon
Masters of the Universe is a tongue-in-cheek, live-action fantasy action film based on Mattel’s classic Masters of the Universe toy franchise and 1980s He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon. It marks a modern theatrical reboot of the franchise after decades of animated series and previous adaptations.
The story follows Prince Adam, who was sent to Earth as a child. Now an adult living as a “normal” human, he must rediscover his birthright through the Sword of Power and begin a new legacy on his home world, Eternia, where he is forced to confront Skeletor.
Directed by Travis Knight, the latest version of Eternia, its royal family, and its eclectic residents boast an all-star cast. Nicholas Galitzine stars as Prince Adam / He-Man, while Jared Leto stars as Skeletor, Camila Mendes as Teela, Idris Elba as Duncan/Man-at-Arms, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress, James Purefoy as King Randor and Charlotte Riley as Queen Marlena.
But how does this latest version of He-Man and his cohorts compare to the original animated series, or the big screen take introduced in the 1987 Dolph Lundgren–led film? Here is a visual comparison of all three versions, side by side by side.
He-Man
Dolph Lundgren vs. Nicholas Galitzine vs. original animation from He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, voiced by John Erwin.
Frank Langella vs. Jared Leto vs. original animation from He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, voiced by
Alan Oppenheimer.
Teela
Chelsea Field vs. Camila Mendes vs. original animation from He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, voiced by Linda Gary.
Evil-Lyn
Meg Foster vs. Alison Brie vs. original animation from He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, voiced by
Linda Gary.
Duncan, Man-At-Arms
Jon Cypher vs. Idris Elba vs. original animation from He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, voiced by
Alan Oppenheimer.
Battle Cat
Battle Cat vs. original animation from He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, voiced by
Alan Oppenheimer.
(Sorry, neither Battle Cat nor Cringer was in the 1987 movie Master of the Universe.)