With the first live-action adaptation of the iconic “Masters of the Universe” franchise since 1987, Nicholas Galitzine has found himself firmly in the spotlight as the new He-Man. Over the years, the British actor has already built an impressively varied career across romantic dramas, musicals and action films. As Masters of the Universe introduces him to an even wider audience, here are five things to know about Nicholas Galitzine
He once fronted a fictional boy band for a film
If you watched the 2024 romantic film The Idea of You opposite Anne Hathaway, you may already recognise Galitzine as the lead singer of the fictional boy band August Moon. Playing charismatic frontman Hayes Campbell – a character reportedly inspired by One Direction’s Harry Styles – Galitzine showcased both his acting and musical abilities. Notably, August Moon extended beyond the film itself with a full accompanying album and several music videos, allowing fans to stream the band’s songs in real life.
He originally planned to become a professional athlete
Growing up, Galitzine originally imagined a future in sports rather than acting. He played football and rugby throughout his school years before a damaged rotator cuff forced him to step away from athletics. Ironically, his acting journey only began because of a girl he liked, leading him to join a production at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at 18. While the romance did not last, he returned home with an acting agency instead.
Romantic dramas turned him into a breakout star
Over the past few years, Galitzine has gained attention largely through romantic films and streaming hits. Many audiences first discovered him through Netflix’s Purple Hearts (2022) alongside Sofia Carson, while his performance as the conflicted Prince Henry in Amazon Prime’s queer romance Red, White & Royal Blue (2023) further cemented his status as one of the internet’s favourite rising actors. His blend of emotional vulnerability, humour and charisma quickly helped him build a dedicated younger fanbase.
He underwent an intense physical transformation for He-Man
Taking on the role of He-Man required Galitzine to undergo one of the most demanding physical transformations of his career. To achieve the iconic physique of the Masters of the Universe hero, the actor reportedly consumed up to 5,000 calories a day across six meals while training for hours daily. He transformed from roughly 80kg to 105kg before eventually cutting down to around 91kg for filming. Galitzine later admitted the process had essentially become “a full-time job.”
Masters of the Universe marks his biggest franchise role yet
While Galitzine has steadily built an impressive filmography over the past few years, Masters of the Universe marks his first time leading a major global franchise. Directed by Travis Knight, the film sees him star as Prince Adam alongside Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, Alison Brie and Jared Leto as the infamous Skeletor. Given the scale of the production and the franchise’s nostalgic connection to many childhoods, the reboot has easily become the biggest turning point of Galitzine’s career so far.
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