Amidst speculation and memories, Dolph Lundgren talks about his potential return to Master of the Universe.
The fantasy and action universes merge once again. Dolp Lundgren, the famous He-Man of the 80s, may return to Eternia, but this time, with a twist. In a recent interview with ComicBook.com, the actor reflected on the possibility of reprising his role in the main universe sequel, but with a surprising twist: a major change to his costume.
Evolution of Eternia Warrior
“Master of the Universe: Dolph Lundgren as He-Man”, the image of a muscular and courageous superhero is etched in the minds of fans. In the year Twisting fate, Lundgren laughingly commented, “Old he-man? I do not know. Whereas… my outfit could be a little more substantial. It was the size of a postage stamp in those days. I think I should add some layers to the dress.
There were also points of interest in the power and presence of Evil-ly, the witch of the series. Season 3 of the Netflix series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe changed this character dramatically, adding depth and complexity to the narrative arc.
More than a hero
In the wider superhero universe, He-Man stands out as an icon of an era. In the 80s, his appearance became a big part of pop culture, not only because of his striking image, but also because of the values he represented. More than just a character, the warrior has inspired generations of fans as a symbol of bravery and justice. His influence has gone beyond cinema and television series, leaving his mark on the world of toys, comics and animation.
The essence of the character lies in the fight against evil, effectively embodied by the villain, Skeletor. This classic battle of good and evil has resonated over the years, retaining its relevance and appeal.
When he compares He-Man to other superheroes of his time, he appreciates the difference. Unlike many comic book characters, the warrior doesn’t come from a dark world or the result of personal tragedy. His strength comes from his character and his unwavering commitment to the safety of Eternia. This optimistic and heroic attitude sets him apart, offering a refreshing alternative in a genre often dominated by dark stories. The character remains a reference to the golden age of superheroes, when bravery and kindness were heroes’ greatest strengths.
Heritage on the big screen
Meanwhile, attempts to revive the franchise with a new live-action adaptation were constant. They were put on hold even though Netflix had plans for a reboot with Kyle Allen as He-Man. However, the project is still alive, with rumors of talks at Amazon MGM for a possible film adaptation.
Despite the setbacks, the Masters of the Universe legacy lives on in animated form. Netflix has released the official trailer for the animated series Masters of the Universe: Revolution, which will serve as a sequel to 2021’s Masters of the Universe: Revelations, and in turn continue the story of the previous series from the 1980s.
Interestingly, Lundgren also talked about his involvement in the movie Expend4bles. Although initially optimistic, the actor was not surprised by the film’s performance at the box office, which he attributed to the film’s lack of success.
An expanding universe
The toy saga’s impact on pop culture is undeniable. The original film, produced by Gary Goddard and written by David O’Dell, not only stars Lundgren in the role of the World’s Mightiest Warrior, but also stars Chelsea Fields as Tella, Frank Langella as Skeleton, Courteney Cox as Julie Winston, and more. The film chronicles the epic battle to save the universe from the evil warlord’s skeleton.
Today, Lundgren’s film is streaming for free on Pluto TV, allowing a new generation to experience the appeal of this classic superhero story. With a mixture of nostalgia and excitement, Lundgren’s return to the Eternia universe not only revived memories among fans, but also introduced a new face to this beloved character.