Idris Elba Joins ‘Masters of the Universe’ Live-Action Film as Man-at-Arms

Idris Elba is reportedly set to join the live-action adaptation of ‘Masters of the Universe’, securing the role of Duncan, also known as Man-at-Arms. The film is being directed by said director, with Amazon MGM leading the production. According to sources close to the project, Elba will portray the character who historically serves as the weapons master and combat instructor to the royal family in the fictional land of Eternia.

The ensemble cast is headlined by Alison Brie, who will play Evil-Lyn, Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, and Camila Mendes as Teela. The film’s script has been penned by Chris Butler, and it is a coproduction between Escape Artists and Mattel Films. The project is being produced by Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Robbie Brenner, and Steve Tisch.

Elba, represented by The Artists Partnership and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole, is currently engaged in multiple projects. He is in the midst of filming an untitled White House thriller directed by Kathryn Bigelow for Netflix and is set to return as the voice of Knuckles in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3‘, which is slated for release next month.

The ‘Masters of the Universe’ franchise originated with a line of action figures launched by Mattel in 1982. This was followed by an animated television series, which helped cement the franchise’s popularity. The upcoming film is anticipated to hit theaters on June 5, 2026.

Additionally, Elba is involved in other high-profile ventures, including the Amazon MGM Studios’ ‘Heads of State’, alongside actors John Cena and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. His extensive filmography includes notable roles in ‘Pacific Rim‘, ‘Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw’, ‘The Suicide Squad‘, and ‘Beast‘. He is also known for his television roles in ‘The Office‘, ‘Luther‘, and ‘Hijack‘.

The initial report concerning Elba’s participation in the ‘Masters of the Universe’ movie was published by The Wrap.