From Rom-Coms to Eternia: Nicholas Galitzine’s Gruelling Path to Becoming He-Man
Hollywood is abuzz with the upcoming release of Masters of the Universe, the latest big-screen adaptation of the beloved children’s fantasy classic. Stepping into the iconic boots of He-Man is Nicholas Galitzine, an actor more commonly known for his charming turns in romantic comedies and dramas like Red, White and Royal Blue, The Idea of You, and Mary and George. For this gargantuan role, Galitzine underwent an extreme physical transformation, and he credits a seasoned Australian superhero veteran for guiding him through the demanding process.
The 31-year-old star revealed that his preparations were significantly influenced by none other than Hugh Jackman. Having recently wrapped up filming The Sheep Detectives with the Wolverine actor, Galitzine sought his advice on how to get “hero-ready.”
“Hugh was actually instrumental in a lot of ways because I had just finished shooting The Sheep Detectives with him and I asked a lot of advice on how to prepare for the role, and he suggested a wonderful trainer for me,” Galitzine shared. Jackman, of course, has an unparalleled history with superhero transformations, having first donned the claws of Marvel’s Wolverine in the year 2000 and continuing to embody the character across numerous sequels and Marvel Cinematic Universe projects for nearly three decades.
The Five-Month Crucible: A Journey of Physical and Emotional Extremes
Galitzine described the training regimen as a “daily struggle,” a sentiment that likely resonates with anyone who has undertaken a significant physical overhaul. He had a tight five-month window to achieve the necessary physique, a period he acknowledged as “really wasn’t a lot of time for such a transformation” in the grand scheme of things.
The entire process was far from a straightforward path. “Really there were so many ups and downs in the whole process, it was like a little epic in itself,” he explained. By the time filming commenced, Galitzine had already navigated a “crazy physical and emotional journey.” However, the sheer exhilaration of stepping onto set and embodying He-Man for the first time made all the arduous effort worthwhile. “But the feeling you get when people finally see you as He-Man for the first time on set… it makes the struggle worth it,” he added.
More Than Just Muscles: Embracing a Childhood Dream
In Masters of the Universe, Galitzine takes on the dual role of Prince Adam and the formidable He-Man. The plot sees Prince Adam embark on a quest to retrieve a magical sword and return to his home planet, Eternia, to fulfil his destiny and protect his people from the villainous Skeletor.
Galitzine confessed to being a lifelong devotee of the fantasy genre, a passion ignited in his childhood. The prospect of portraying such a legendary character was, for him, the realisation of a long-held dream.
“I grew up with Lord of the Rings and Star Wars and the notion that someone could say ‘for your job, you get to play with swords every day and run around in a miniskirt’,” he enthused, likening the experience to being a child in a sweet shop. This childlike wonder and excitement clearly fuelled his dedication to bringing He-Man to life.
The commitment to this role extended beyond the physical, delving into the emotional core of a character that has captured imaginations for generations. Galitzine’s preparation involved not only sculpting his body but also immersing himself in the mythology and spirit of He-Man. This dual approach allowed him to deliver a performance that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant, aiming to satisfy long-time fans while introducing the character to a new audience. The journey to Eternia was, for Nicholas Galitzine, a personal odyssey that culminated in the ultimate fantasy role.
Masters of the Universe is set to hit cinemas this Thursday.
