Actress Alison Brie says the response from men in her life to her role as villain Evil-Lyn in the upcoming live-action Masters of the Universe film has been unlike anything she has encountered in her career. The 43-year-old actress plays Evil-Lyn opposite Jared Leto as Skeletor in the highly anticipated reboot, which is generating significant buzz ahead of its release.

The Role and the Cast

Brie joins a star-studded ensemble that includes Nicholas Galitzine, Idris Elba, Kristen Wiig, Camila Mendes, and Morena Baccarin. The film arrives amid a broader wave of nostalgia for major 1980s franchises making their return to cinemas. According to the official synopsis, Galitzine plays Prince Adam, who was sent away from Eternia as a child, grows up on Earth, and eventually discovers the Sword of Power, embracing his destiny as He-Man.

What Brie Said About the Reaction

Speaking to People, Brie described an outpouring of enthusiasm from people she had not heard from in years. '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 said.

She added that the franchise carries a rare cross-generational appeal: '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.'

Brie, who has been married to actor Dave Franco for nine years, noted that the men in her family and social circle had reacted with particular enthusiasm. 'It's the most excited the men in my life have ever been about anything I've ever done!' she said. She also mentioned her three nephews, noting they were 'as excited as the middle-aged men.'

The Franchise's Legacy

The Masters of the Universe franchise first launched in 1982 through Mattel's He-Man action figure line, before breaking into mainstream culture with the animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe in 1983. It later inspired comic books, spin-off series, and the cult 1987 live-action film starring Dolph Lundgren, Frank Langella, and Courteney Cox. The new adaptation will split its story between Earth and Eternia.

Mattel's Cinematic Momentum

The film marks another major studio reboot for Mattel, following the enormous commercial success of Barbie starring Margot Robbie, which became a global phenomenon in 2023 and sparked sustained industry interest in toy-based film adaptations. Masters of the Universe represents Mattel's next significant bet on bringing its intellectual property to a new generation of cinema audiences.

With nostalgia-driven franchises proving their box-office power, all eyes are now on whether He-Man can replicate Barbie's cultural impact when the film arrives in theatres.