Idris Elba is the latest star to join the cast of Masters of the Universe, a live-action adaptation of the iconic Mattel franchise. The film, being directed by Travis Knight (Bumblebee, Kubo and the Two Strings), is a coproduction between Amazon MGM, Escape Artists, and Mattel.
Elba will take on the role of Duncan, perhaps better known to fans as Man-At-Arms. The character is a veteran soldier, weapons master, and trusted advisor to Eternia’s royal family. Duncan is also the adoptive father of Teela and a key member of the elite strike force known as the Masters of the Universe. Known for his sharp intellect and combat skills, Man-At-Arms has been a central figure in the franchise’s lore, from the original animated series to the 2002 reboot and beyond. Take a look at 17 minutes of Man-At-Arms in action below.
The film’s ensemble cast features Nicholas Galitzine (The Idea of You, Red, White & Royal Blue) as He-Man, Prince Adam of Eternia; Alison Brie (Community, Mad Men) as supervillainess Evil-Lyn; and Camila Mendes (Riverdale) as warrior goddess Teela. The screenplay was penned by Chris Butler (Kubo and the Two Strings, ParaNorman), with producers including Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Robbie Brenner, and Steve Tisch.
Elba has multiple high-profile projects on the horizon, including Above the Below, a sci-fi survival film that he stars in and co-directs; Kathryn Bigelow’s untitled White House thriller for Netflix; Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which has him back voicing Knuckles; action-comedy Heads of State, opposite John Cena; and the second season of Apple TV+ series Hijack.
A cinematic Masters of the Universe reboot was stuck in development hell since 2006, with various writers, directors and studios coming and going over the years. Fans of Eternia are one step closer to seeing these beloved heroes and villains come to life on the big screen. Let’s hope the wait will have been worth it.
Deadline broke the news of Elba’s casting.
