10 New Characters in Masters of the Universe Movie You Never Saw in Dolph Lundgren’s Version

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One of the most eagerly awaited films in 2026, “Masters of the Universe“, is garnering significant attention, and as the cast has been finalized, it’s evident that several well-known characters from previous incarnations will grace the screen in this movie, unlike the 1987 Dolph Lundgren film. While the 1987 version of “Masters of the Universe” took inspiration from Marvel and DC comics, and aimed to mimic various aspects of the animated series preceding it, this was a challenging task. With a modest budget and limited resources for special effects, some characters had to be swapped out due to constraints.

The upcoming “Masters of the Universe” movie, helmed by director Travis Knight, appears to be a faithful adaptation of the franchise’s rich history. Snaps from the set hint at authentic costumes and characters reminiscent of the numerous animated series. Even obscure characters like Fisto have been verified, indicating that the new film aims to preserve the thrilling animated spirit of the original series, rather than attempting a modern makeover. The appearance of these lesser-known characters lends credence to this approach.

10. Trap Jaw

The Villain Will Be Played By Sam C. Wilson

In order to work within their budget constraints, it proved more feasible for the movie to create an original character instead of recreating the peculiar, green-skinned weapon specialist Trap Jaw, who is also known as Kronis.

Excitingly, I’ll have a part in the upcoming Masters of the Universe, where I’m thrilled to see Sam C. Wilson bring Trap Jaw to life. This talented actor has graced our screens with his presence in episodes of House of the Dragon and as Bill Sikes in last year’s Charles Dickens adaptation, Dodger. As for Trap Jaw’s role in this film, it remains a mystery for now, but given his history with the Evil Warriors, I suspect he’ll be working under Jared Leto’s formidable Skeletor.

9. King Randor

James Purefoy Will Play Prince Adam’s Father

King Randor is typically portrayed as the monarch of Eternia and the dad of Prince Adam across various He-Man series. Interestingly, he shares a blood relation with Keldor, who transforms into the antagonist Skeletor in later events. Quite unexpectedly, Randor was absent from the 1987 movie, despite his kingship being a significant aspect of Eternia’s narrative.

As a movie critic, I’ve seen Randor portrayed in various ways across different films, but it was the 2002 version of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe that transformed him into a powerful and commanding warrior king. Fast forward to 2026, James Purefoy steps into the role of this intriguing character in Masters of the Universe. The question remains: will he embody a battle-hardened hero, a wise ruler, or perhaps both? Regardless, we can expect him to make a significant impact on the storyline.

8. Queen Marlena

Charlotte Riley Will Play He-Man’s Mother From Earth

In the classic Masters of the Universe series, Marlena is often portrayed as a significant character who originally hails from Earth and finds herself on Eternia. Here, she marries King Randor, and together they have a son destined to become Prince Adam. Given her unique origins and connections to Earth, Marlena’s tale carries an intriguing relevance that seems poised for further exploration in the upcoming movie.

In the upcoming “Masters of the Universe,” it seems like the character played by Charlotte Riley, who is recognized for her work in movies such as “London Has Fallen” and “Edge of Tomorrow,” could play a significant role. Initial set photos from “Masters of the Universe” indicate that some portion of the movie will unfold on Earth, which means Adam’s mother and her background become pivotal to the narrative.

7. Fisto

Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson Will Play Malcolm

Fisto initially appeared as a villain, serving under Skeletor in the world of He-Man. However, he was eventually won over by He-Man’s influence and transitioned into a heroic figure. Known for his burly demeanor, Fisto is equipped with a massive fist encased in a metallic gauntlet, which he uses in combat.

In the upcoming movie, it’s possible that Fisto is Camila Mendes’ Teela’s biological father, but there’s also a chance it could be Duncan. The parentage dilemma might or might not be explored in the new film, but if it does, it could lead to intriguing storytelling with these well-developed characters. Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, known for his role in Vikings: Valhalla, will portray Fisto in the new film, promising to bring a chilling intensity to the character.

6. Tri-Klops

Kojo Attah Will Play The Villain

In the upcoming movie, Tri-Klops – a captivating antagonist from He-Man’s past – makes his appearance. This character is equipped with a remarkable rotating visor, granting him various abilities such as night vision and X-ray vision. As one of Skeletor’s loyal followers, Tri-Klops showcases impressive swordsmanship skills that could lead to thrilling action scenes in the new film.

In the upcoming movie, Kojo Attah – fresh from his roles in “The Beekeeper” featuring Jason Statham and the series “Supacell” – has been cast as the antagonist. Although Tri-Klops isn’t a central character in He-Man lore, he is an intriguing tough guy whose powers offer exciting possibilities for the new film. The idea of observing how his visor functions within a modern live-action adaptation is an engaging and captivating concept to delve into.

5. Ram-Man

The Hero Will Be Played By Jon Xue Zhang

In the world of Masters of the Universe, Ram-Man stands out as an extraordinary character who was initially known as a “human ram.” However, there appears to have been some inconsistency regarding his portrayal across various comics, the Filmation series, and Netflix adaptations. Sometimes he is depicted as incredibly large, while other times he’s shown to be diminutive and even dwarf-like. It remains undecided which representation will be adopted in the upcoming movie.

I must admit, having Jon Xue Zhang portray Ram-Man in the movie truly sparks my enthusiasm! Known for his remarkable stunt performances, he seems primed to infuse an impressive physical essence into this role. Although Ram-Man might not have a major part in Masters of the Universe, just seeing him on screen is a thrilling prospect for me.

4. Goat-Man

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson Will Play The Villain

As a devoted fan of the Masters of the Universe saga, I must clarify that the character known as Goatman isn’t a central figure in its history. Initially introduced as a minor antagonist in the 1985 novel “Secret of the Dragon’s Egg,” this character didn’t make it to animation until 2021, marking a significant wait for his on-screen debut. Similar to Andros, Goatman is often portrayed as a member of the G’hoat tribe and is known for his towering stature and fierce demeanor.

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson is most famously recognized for his intense fight scene with Pedro Pascal on Game of Thrones, but this actor has solidified himself as a skilled strongman in the professional world. Standing tall at 6 feet 9 inches and boasting an impressive muscular physique, it’s no surprise that Björnsson will undoubtedly bring strength to at least one powerful battle scene in the upcoming movie. By utilizing his imposing stature, the character he plays should leave a lasting impression as the villain.

3. Moss Man

Stephen Adentan Will Play The Hero

In the narrative of He-Man, Moss Man has faced challenges in leaving a significant mark. Debuting in 1985, he didn’t have enough screen time to make a substantial impression before the initial series ended. Unfortunately, his appearances in subsequent animated adaptations followed a similar pattern, with the character usually receiving minimal attention in each production. It’s disheartening because Moss Man’s unique ability to transform into plants could have resulted in some breathtaking visual effects.

It’s great news that the bold character will be featured in the upcoming Masters of the Universe, with Stephen Adentan taking on the role. Although his screen time might not be extensive, it promises to be thrilling to watch this iconic figure and his astonishing abilities brought to life in live-action. Regardless of how he’s utilized, it’s long overdue for Moss Man to have a moment in the spotlight within the realm of Eternia, and here’s hoping that the movie will make him an unforgettable character.

2. Mekanek

James Wilkinson Will Play The Hero

In the upcoming “Masters of the Universe” movie, Mekanek – one of the most intelligent characters – is set to bring intrigue to the cast. Originally known as Spy Man during development, this Heroic Warrior stands out with his elongating periscopic neck. Frequently spotted with Ram-Man, Mekanek’s abilities could make for an exciting visual spectacle in the upcoming film.

James Wilkinson, who boasts a relatively sparse acting portfolio, has been cast as Mekanek. What makes him stand out is his towering height of over 6 feet 6 inches, adding yet another imposing and dominating presence to the realm of Eternia. The anticipation surrounding how this character will appear and feel in the finished film is intriguing, as Mekanek could potentially play a pivotal role in some thrilling scenes.

1. Battle Cat

Cringer’s Role In This Film Has Not Been Officially Announced

Battle Cat, He-Man’s loyal battle companion, was conspicuously absent from the 1987 movie. However, there have been rumors that suggest Battle Cat might make an appearance in the upcoming Masters of the Universe film. Many CinemaCon attendees reported seeing concept art for Battle Cat in the footage shown. Although things can change during production, given the film’s commitment to portraying Eternia authentically, it appears likely that Cringer will be part of the new movie.

In the upcoming Masters of the Universe, the character could initially be a CGI creation making cat-like sounds, yet it’s possible that a voice actor might be added later during post-production if Battle Cat speaks in this version, as was the case in earlier iterations and some cartoons. Regardless, for longtime fans of the franchise, catching sight of Cringer is an enticing prospect.

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2025-06-04 22:20