Alison Brie on her 'He-Man' villain role: It has that multi-generational connection
Mumbai, May 27
Actress Alison Brie has spoken about the reaction from men to her role in the upcoming Masters of the Universe film, which has been unlike anything she has experienced before.
The 43-year-old actress will play villain Evil-Lyn opposite Jared Leto as Skeletor in the new live-action adaptation of Masters of the Universe. The film also stars Nicholas Galitzine, Idris Elba, Kristen Wiig, Camila Mendes and Morena Baccarin, arrives amid renewed nostalgia for major 1980s franchises returning to cinemas.
Speaking to people.com, Brie 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, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
The actress, 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!"
Brie 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. 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."
— IANS
Reader Comments
This sounds like another Hollywood cash grab. After the Barbie movie's success, they're just recycling old toy brands. But I have to admit, Alison Brie is a great choice for Evil-Lyn – she has that intimidating yet charismatic energy. I just hope they don't mess up the storyline with too many Earth scenes. We want more Eternia, less Earth! 😩
For a moment I thought it was a new Indian superhero film, but nah – it's the same old Hollywood nostalgia train. Still, Masters of the Universe was part of my childhood in the 80s. I remember the cheap action figures that my mom would buy from the local market. I hope the film respects the original animation and doesn't go too woke. Jared Leto as Skeletor? That's interesting – he's a method actor, so I'm curious if he'll actually paint his face blue or just go full Joker mode. 😂
Honestly, I'm tired of these Hollywood adaptations that just cash in on nostalgia. But as a fan of Alison Brie (she was amazing in Community and Mad Men), I'll give this a chance. Evil-Lyn is a great female villain, and it's refreshing to see a strong female antagonist instead of the usual "strong female hero" trope. Just don't make her a sympathetic villain in the end – let her be properly evil! 😤
People in India grew up with He-Man on Doordarshan and Cartoon Network, so I understand the excitement. But why are they mixing Earth and Eternia again? The 1987 film did that and it was confusing. Just give us pure fantasy with swords, magic, and terrible dialogue – that's what made it fun! Also, Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam? He's British, so hopefully he doesn't sound like he's from Mumbai. 😆
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