West Side Story actor Kyle Allen to play He-Man in Netflix's live-action Masters of the Universe

The long-awaited live-action Masters of the Universe film from Mattel Films has finally arrived on Netflix, with Kyle Allen of West Side Story poised to play the hero He-Man. The Nee brothers will helm the live-action film, which will be released in summer 2022. They penned the screenplay with Shang-Chi writer David Callaham. Along with DeVon Franklin, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Steve Tisch will produce the film. Mattel Films' Robbie Brenner and Kevin McKeon will be in charge of the project.

The story of the Masters of the Universe revolves around an orphan named Adam who discovers he is a prince destined to defend a faraway land and must swiftly learn how to use his power to save his home from the wicked Skeletor. Mattel's legendary sword-and-sorcery trademark originated as a line of action figures and has since been adapted for the big screen. 

An animated series from the 1980s was followed by a live-action fantasy film starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man in 1987. This most current live-action Master of the Universe was previously in development at Sony, with Noah Centineo (To All the Boys) being considered for the role of the sword-wielding hero. At Sony, the Nee brothers were also attached to direct the film.

Two Masters of the Universe adaptations are now available on Netflix: showrunner Kevin Smith's 2D animated series Masters of the Universe: Revelation has Mark Hamill, Lena Headey, Chris Wood, and Sarah Michelle Gellar as voice actors. The CG-animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, which will soon premiere its second season, is also available on the streaming website.

Allen was most recently seen in Steven Spielberg's remake of the iconic Broadway musical West Side Story. His other work includes the television shows American Horror Story and The Path, as well as the coming-of-age film The Map of Tiny Perfect Things.