Mumbai, Actors Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Mendes, who star in He-Man and The Masters of the Universe, could fully grasp the massive global popularity surrounding the iconic superhero character He-Man only after they were cast in the movie adaptation.
The new film is based on Mattel's famous toy line, which inspired a successful animated TV series in 1983 and a 1987 film starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe.
Galitzine, known for his romantic dramas Red, White & Royal Blue, The Idea of You and comedy film Bottoms, portrays the iconic character of He-Man in Masters of the Universe. The actor said he was unaware of the franchise's legacy in India, where He-Man became a childhood favorite superhero in the late 1980s.
Directed by Travis Knight, the live-action film follows Prince Adam, who is drawn back to Eternia by the mystical Sword of Power only to discover his world shattered under the ruthless rule of Skeletor. Actor Camila Mendes plays the role of a warrior, Teela.
Mendes said both she and Galitzine only knew a little about He-Man's popularity and they had to study the franchise's history once they got the parts.
Galitzine added that through his interactions with fans, he learned how eager parents are to introduce He-Man to their children, highlighting the franchise's strong cross-generational appeal.
Both actors also opened up about the intense physical and emotional preparation required for the film.
