New He-Man actor Nicholas Galitzine first met character via internet memes

Nicholas Galitzine, the star of the new "Masters of the Universe" film, revealed that his first encounter with the iconic character He-Man was not through the classic cartoons or toys, but rather through internet memes. Galitzine, who gained prominence for his role in "Red, White & Royal Blue," now embodies the legendary hero in the latest live-action adaptation.

Galitzine shared in an interview that the popular memes, often set to the song "What's Going On," were his initial introduction to He-Man. He admitted that he only delved deeper into the "Masters of the Universe" lore after being cast, realizing the significance of the franchise for many fans. This meme-centric origin story even influenced his portrayal, with the production incorporating elements that paid homage to internet culture, including some TikTok videos.

Despite the lighthearted meme beginnings, the moment Galitzine truly felt he became He-Man was during the filming of the transformation sequence. He described the experience of raising the "Sword of Power" and uttering the iconic catchphrase as "surreal." He aimed to deliver the line with sincerity, emphasizing the character's newfound self-belief. Galitzine intentionally avoided over-rehearsing the line to maintain a sense of spontaneity and emotional authenticity during the take.

He also touched upon the distinctive costume, which has been described as nearly "nude." Galitzine confessed that while initially feeling unaccustomed to it, he quickly adapted and found it surprisingly comfortable to wear on set. The film also features a symbolic passing of the torch moment, with Dolph Lundgren, who played He-Man in the 1987 film "Masters of the Universe," making an appearance. Galitzine described his interaction with Lundgren as a warm exchange, feeling a sense of inherited legacy from the original live-action He-Man.