27 May 2026
Alison Brie says the reaction from men to her role in the upcoming Masters of the Universe film has been unlike anything she has experienced before.
Alison Brie says the reaction from men to her role in the upcoming Masters of the Universe film has been unlike anything she has experienced before
The actress, 43, who is best known for roles in Community, Mad Men and Netflix wrestling comedy GLOW, will play villain Evil-Lyn opposite Jared Leto as Skeletor in the new live-action adaptation of Masters of the Universe.
The film, which also stars Nicholas Galitzine, Idris Elba, Kristen Wiig, Camila Mendes and Morena Baccarin, arrives amid renewed nostalgia for major 1980s franchises returning to cinemas.
Alison said the excitement surrounding the project had surprised her, particularly from men in her life who grew up with He-Man toys and cartoons.
Speaking to People, the actress said: “People have been coming out of the woodwork to talk to me about it, people I haven’t heard from in ages because they’re so excited about it.
“It’s very cute.”
She added: “I think it has that multi-generational connection because I know all the people who originally grew up on it are excited, and then they have kids and they’re excited to bring them.”
The film also marks another major studio reboot for Mattel following the enormous success of Barbie, starring Margot Robbie, which became a global phenomenon in 2023 and sparked ongoing interest in toy-based film adaptations.
Alison, who has been married to actor Dave Franco for nine years, said the men in her family and friendship circle had reacted especially enthusiastically after hearing she had joined the He-Man project.
She added: “Jared Leto is Skeletor, which is amazing, and I’m Evil-lyn, his second in command.
“And it’s the most excited the men in my life have ever been about anything I’ve ever done!”
Alison continued: “I have three nephews and they’re as excited as the middle-aged men.
“Some of them probably still have their He-Man action figures to be honest.”
Alison added: “It’s fun when you work on a project like this that has touched so many people.”
The Masters of the Universe franchise first launched in 1982 through Mattel’s He-Man action figure line before exploding into mainstream popularity with the animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe in 1983.
The franchise later inspired comic books, spin-off shows and the cult 1987 live-action film starring Dolph Lundgren, Frank Langella and Courteney Cox.
The new adaptation will split its action between Earth and Eternia.
According to the official synopsis, Nicholas plays Prince Adam, who was sent away from Eternia as a child and grows up on Earth living an ordinary life before discovering the Sword of Power and embracing his destiny as He-Man.
The synopsis states: “To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela and Duncan/Man-At-Arms.
“And embrace his true destiny as He-Man – the most powerful man in the universe.”
The project continues Alison’s varied career across comedy, drama and genre films following acclaim for her performances in Community and GLOW, while Dave has also remained a prominent Hollywood figure through films including Neighbors, Now You See Me and Love Lies Bleeding.
Masters of the Universe is scheduled to be released in cinemas on 5 June.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.femalefirst.co.uk ’
