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Nicholas Galitzine’s 'He-Man' Transformation Captivates Fans
READ TIME: 15 MIN.
British actor Nicholas Galitzine, best known for his roles in LGBTQ+ favorites like Red, White & Royal Blue, has drawn widespread attention in 2025 for his remarkable physical transformation into Prince Adam/He-Man for Amazon MGM and Mattel Studios’ big-budget Masters of the Universe film, set for global release on June 5, 2026 . Over the past year, Galitzine documented his journey on social media, culminating in a viral birthday selfie that showcased the results of a dedicated fitness and nutrition regimen .
As images of his transformation circulated, they sparked conversations about body image, queer representation, and masculinity within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as anticipation for the film’s inclusive casting.
Galitzine’s physical journey began in June 2024, shortly after he was announced as the new face of the iconic hero . Early glimpses—such as his debut with newly blond hair at the Fendi Men’s Spring/Summer 2025 Show in London—hinted at the transformation to come. By November, set photos from The One Hundred Nights of Hero showed Galitzine growing out his hair and beginning to gain weight, marking a visible shift in his appearance.
The transformation accelerated in late 2024. Galitzine posted a holiday photo in December highlighting his increased muscle mass, a testament to the effectiveness of his evolving routine . In January 2025, he revealed to W Magazine that he was consuming approximately 4,000 calories per day paired with intensive weightlifting and stunt training . “There’s been a lot of eating and weightlifting, a lot of stunts. I’m eating about 4,000 calories a day, but the amount of physical work I’m doing, you end up hungry at the end of the day, which is quite surprising,” Galitzine told the publication .
By February, Galitzine’s bulked-up appearance at public events and on set drew global attention, with fans praising his commitment and debating the evolving look of Prince Adam . Experts noted that such transformations typically involve an initial phase of rapid muscle gain, followed by a period of fat reduction to achieve a lean, muscular physique. This progression was evident between February and May, when observers noted a shift from bulk to a more defined look as filming neared completion .
Galitzine’s transformation was more than just a physical feat—it became a focal point for discussions around masculinity, body image, and LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. The actor, who has previously portrayed queer characters with empathy and nuance, is seen by many as a symbol of the new generation of Hollywood stars who are unapologetically themselves and advocate for more inclusive storytelling . His engagement with fans, especially through social media, has been noted for its authenticity and positive tone.
For LGBTQ+ audiences, Galitzine’s journey resonates on multiple levels. His willingness to share the challenges and triumphs of his transformation dismantles stereotypes about what queer or queer-allied bodies “should” look like and highlights the diversity within the community. Fan reactions across platforms have celebrated both his physical achievements and his openness about the mental and emotional aspects of such a demanding role .
Industry analysts and LGBTQ+ advocates have also noted the significance of Galitzine leading a blockbuster film with a diverse cast, including Camila Mendes, Jared Leto, Idris Elba, Morena Baccarin, Alison Brie, and Charlotte Riley . The project’s scale and visibility are expected to contribute to ongoing conversations about representation and inclusion in entertainment.
On June 29, Galitzine marked his 31st birthday by sharing a candid selfie on Instagram, joking “Oh brother, I’m getting old,” alongside a gallery of moments from the past year . The post was met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow actors, many of whom commented on his dedication and the excitement surrounding the film’s release.
Filming for Masters of the Universe wrapped in June 2025, with the movie scheduled to premiere in cinemas worldwide on June 5, 2026 . As anticipation builds, LGBTQ+ fans and allies see Galitzine’s He-Man as a potential milestone for both genre cinema and the ongoing push for visibility and authenticity in Hollywood.
Nicholas Galitzine’s transformation for Masters of the Universe demonstrates not only the physical demands of blockbuster filmmaking but also the power of representation and openness. As he steps into the iconic role of He-Man, Galitzine’s journey—documented by himself and celebrated by fans—offers a new model for masculinity and inclusion on screen. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, his story is a reminder that strength comes in many forms and that visibility matters, both in front of and behind the camera.
