Original He-Man Dolph Lundgren recently reflected on the reception of the 2026 Masters of the Universe reboot and shared his thoughts on its performance following release. For decades, Dolph Lundgren has remained synonymous with He-Man, having first brought the iconic hero to life in the 1987 live-action Masters of the Universe. Nearly forty years later, the actor returned to the franchise in a special cameo role for the 2026 reboot, making him one of the few people with a unique perspective on both versions of the beloved fantasy property.

While the new film arrived with significant buzz, a star-studded cast, and extensive marketing support, its box office performance has sparked discussions among fans and industry observers alike. And now, Lundgren has also dwelt on the same.

Speaking with ComicBook, Dolph Lundgren admitted he was surprised by the film's commercial results despite the strong promotional campaign surrounding its release. The actor noted that many people had predicted the reboot would be a major hit, making its box office performance all the more unexpected for those involved with the project.

“I was a bit disappointed. I mean, everybody told me it’s going to do great… That was strange that didn’t do better. And I don’t know why that is. They did a lot of marketing, they did a lot of press,” said Dolph Lundgren in an interview with ComicBook.

The actor acknowledged in his interview with ComicBook, that considerable effort went into promoting the film and noted that expectations were high ahead of its release. Having experienced the ups and downs of the franchise firsthand, Lundgren's reaction reflects the sentiment of many fans who hoped the reboot would become a major theatrical success.

However, despite the box office challenges, Dolph Lundgren has continued to express enthusiasm for the franchise and the new generation of actors carrying the story forward. He has particularly praised Nicholas Galitzine's portrayal of He-Man, applauding the actor's dedication to bringing a fresh yet faithful interpretation of the iconic hero to a new audience.

Camila Mendes Credits Rey From 'Star Wars' for Shaping Her Teela in 'Masters of the Universe'

The actor's cameo ultimately became one of the reboot's most meaningful moments, creating a symbolic bridge between the past and present versions of He-Man.

During an interview with Men's Journal, Dolph Lundgren revealed that he initially was not sold on director Travis Knight's original cameo idea. After reading the script, he proposed a different approach that would allow him to share a meaningful moment with Nicholas Galitzine's Prince Adam.

“I thought about it and when I read the script, I remember at the end, there's a quote at the end of the script about finding your inner power and being who you can really be, to be yourself. I thought, 'That would be nice if I could deliver that message to Nicholas,’” he said.

“It was a bit emotional. I really enjoyed it,” he further added.

The revised scene sees Lundgren's character offering guidance to Adam before his return to Eternia, creating a heartfelt passing-of-the-torch moment. The cameo also includes the line "Good journey," a callback to the 1987 film, making it a rewarding experience for longtime fans.

Although the 2026 Masters of the Universe may not have achieved the box office success many expected, Lundgren's involvement helped strengthen its connection to the franchise's legacy. His reflections on the film's performance and his memorable cameo highlight the enduring appeal of He-Man across generations.

'Masters of the Universe' Stumbles at the Box Office as Global Earnings Reach Just $101 Million After Three Weekends

What did you think of Dolph Lundgren's cameo in Masters of the Universe? Let us know in the comments!