In a blockbuster world that usually worships new origins, one of the most iconic warrior women of the 1980s is being reborn with a very modern attitude and Camila Mendes just revealed the sci-fi hero who helped shape her version of Teela in Masters of the Universe.

Teela, the Captain of the Royal Guard from Eternia, has long been Prince Adam’s closest ally, mentor, and sometimes-sort-of love interest, known for her fierce combat skills, leadership, and unwavering loyalty. But beyond it all, there’s a very specific cinematic inspiration guiding how she carries Teela’s independence on screen.

That spark comes from a different galaxy far, far away, pointing straight to Rey from Star Wars.

In her Comic Book.com interview while promoting Masters of the Universe, Camilla Mendes revealed that she drew inspiration from Daisy Ridley's performance in Star Wars. She went to that performance specifically to observe because she felt there were clear similarities between the characters. Mendes saw Rey as a standalone fighter, someone forced to rely on her own instincts and strength, and she wanted that same energy in Teela’s portrayal.

“I feel like I was a little inspired by Daisy Ridley’s performance in Star Wars.” Mendes said.

 Teela, like Rey, is often on her own, carrying heavy responsibilities while navigating a world that doesn’t always understand what she is capable of. Mendes wanted Teela to feel that same self-reliant, grounded power. Mendes then described the core of that connection.

“She’s like kind of on her own, and how she carried that.” That phrase — “how she carried that” — is key. It’s not just about fighting; it’s about the weight of leadership, the quiet confidence, the way you move when you know you’re the one people are counting on. For Mendes, that’s how she’s building Teela’s stance, voice, and presence in the film.

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That shared sense of responsibility and legacy carries directly into how Masters of the Universe is performing with audiences.

Masters of the Universe opened in third place domestically but still delivered a strong $29.3 million debut. The Amazon, MGM Studios, and Mattel Films release, directed by Travis Knight, played across 3,677 U.S. theaters. It added another $25 million internationally, bringing its global opening weekend total to $54 million and second behind Scary Movie 6.

The audience turnout reflected strong nostalgia, with a 66% male and 34% female split. The largest age group was 45 to 54, making up 29% of ticket buyers, pointing clearly to fans of the original animated era. The cast includes Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam, Mendes as Teela, Jared Leto as Skeletor, Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms, and Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn.

Despite a Metacritic score of 54 and a CinemaScore of B, the film signals a steady start for the studio’s theatrical strategy. Kevin Wilson, head of domestic theatrical distribution, described the opening as a validating first step. With strong international numbers and nostalgia-driven engagement, Masters of the Universe appears positioned to build momentum beyond its initial release window.

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What do you think about Camila Mendes drawing inspiration from Rey for Teela? Let us know in the comments.