James Purefoy, Charlotte Riley Cast in “Masters of the Universe” Adaptation

by Annika February 12, 2025

James Purefoy and Charlotte Riley have been cast in the roles of King Randor and Queen Marlena for a live-action adaptation of ‘Masters of the Universe.’ The feature is directed by Travis Knight and set for a worldwide release by Amazon MGM in June 2026. Based on the popular 80s toy line and cartoon, it’s focused on Prince Adam’s transformation into He-Man, who fights against Skeletor’s evil forces.

James Purefoy, Charlotte Riley Cast in “Masters of the Universe” Adaptation

– James Purefoy and Charlotte Riley have been cast as King Randor and Queen Marlena, respectively, in the new live-action film ‘Masters of the Universe’ by Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films.
– The film, directed by Travis Knight and based on the popular 1980’s toyline and cartoon, will feature Prince Adam (played by Nicholas Galitzine) who becomes the superstrong He-Man with his power sword, fighting the evil Skeletor (played by Jared Leto).
– The film is set to be released theatrically worldwide on June 5, 2026.

James Purefoy and Charlotte Riley are set to portray the roles of King Randor and Queen Marlena respectively in the new Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films’ live-action film, Masters of the Universe.

This project, which is set for a global theater release on June 5, 2026, is being directed by Travis Knight.

Masters of the Universe is a well-known concept from the 1980s, derived from a merchandise collection and a popular animated series from the same time. The main character is Prince Adam of Eternia, who can morph into the muscular hero, He-Man, by wielding his Power Sword. He-Man possesses superhuman abilities and strength and, alongside a variety of companions, protects his home planet from Skeletor, an evil sorcerer, and his armies.

The cast for the new series includes Nicholas Galitzine as the prince who wields the sword, with Jared Leto in the role of the wicked wizard Skeletor, who is after the secrets held by Castle Grayskull.

Other actors featuring in Masters of the Universe include Camla Mendes as Teela, Morena Baccarin as the Sorceress, Alison Brie portraying the character of Evil-Lyn, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Malcolm/Fisto, Idris Elba as Duncan/Man-at-Arms, Sam C. Wilson playing Trap Jaw, Hafthor Bjornsson as Goat Man and Kojo Attah as Tri-Klops.

In the storyline, King Randor is oblivious to his son’s transformation into the heroic He-Man, accusing him of sloth for apparently neglecting his duties. However, Queen Marlena begins to harbor some suspicions.

The Masters of the Universe screenplay is sponsored by Chris Butler and has had initial contributions from David Callaham, Aaron, and Adam Nee. The film is being produced by Escape Artists in conjunction with Mattel Films.

James Purefoy is an experienced English actor widely recognized for his roles in celebrated HBO series such as Rome and The Following, wherein he starred alongside Kevin Bacon. He was most recently on screen with Elisabeth Moss in Hulu’s The Veil. He is represented by CAA Linden and the Independent Talent Group.

Charlotte Riley, too, is an English actress known for her roles in London Has Fallen, Edge of Tomorrow, and on the TV show, Peaky Blinders. She is soon to be seen in the lead role in Babies, a drama series by Stefan Golaszewski for the BBC. She is represented by CVGG.