How Camila Mendes and Nicholas Galitzine Got Jacked for ‘Masters of the Universe’

Camila Mendes and Nicholas Galitzine didn’t show up on the set of ‘Masters of the Universe’ looking like they do by chance.

Behind-the-scenes training footage shared on social media provides a glimpse into the intense physical preparation both leads undertook before filming the Amazon MGM blockbuster. It’s evident that they approached the challenge of portraying Eternia’s most iconic warriors with utmost seriousness.

Galitzine trained with celebrity personal trainer David Kingsbury for six months to bulk up and gain muscle for his role as He-Man. Producer Jason Blumenthal emphasized that this transformation was “100-percent real,” with no shortcuts taken. He noted that Galitzine was “fully committed” and that everything seen on screen resulted from genuine hard work.

Galitzine shared how demanding this process was, revealing to Entertainment Weekly that he sometimes fasted for 18 hours before engaging in a three-hour weight-training session followed by stunt work. He reflected, “I learned a lot about myself and how far I was willing to push myself and really suffering for it,” adding that the experience was “not for the faint of heart” but ultimately rewarding.

Mendes, portraying Teela, Eternia’s Captain of the Guards and He-Man’s main ally and love interest, also dedicated months to bulking up and training to embody the character’s physicality. In an interview with Refinery29, she expressed some initial apprehension about taking on such a physically strong role, acknowledging that women often hesitate to gain visible muscle mass. However, she ultimately embraced the challenge and grew to love the feeling of strength.

Directed by Travis Knight and written by Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, and David Callaham, the film tells the story of Prince Adam, who was sent to Earth as a child for his protection and returns to Eternia to confront the villain Skeletor and fulfill his destiny. The cast features Jared Leto as Skeletor, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms, along with Kristen Wiig, Morena Baccarin, James Purefoy, and Charlotte Riley.

Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films, with Sony Pictures handling international distribution, the film premiered in theaters on June 5. Early reviews have been more favorable than expected, with the film achieving an 87 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and being described by several outlets as a genuine surprise.

Regardless of whether the film evolves into a franchise, the commitment Mendes and Galitzine demonstrated in their physical preparation speaks volumes about their understanding of the film’s nature and their determination to fully embrace it.

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