He-Man#Queer analysis

In 1976, Mattel's CEO Ray Wagner declined a deal to produce a toy line of action figures based on the characters from Star Wars, due to the $750,000 license ($4,008,703.87 in 2023 dollars) required up front.{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/mastering-the-universe-2496243511.html|title=Mastering the Universe: He-Man and the Rise and Fall of a Billion-Dollar Idea by Roger Sweet and David Wecker|date=September 25, 2005|access-date=October 15, 2020|work=Pop Matters |last=Levisohn |first=Benjamin}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thesneeze.com/mt-archives/000500.php|title=The Birth of He-Man|date=April 18, 2006|access-date=October 15, 2020|work=The Sneeze (blog)}} Following the commercial success of the original Star Wars trilogy and its related merchandise, Mattel launched "...failed line after failed line, none of which captured the public's imagination or made a significant dent in the toy market." In the race to design the next popular action figure, Roger Sweet — lead designer for Mattel's Preliminary Design Department —realized that simplicity was the key to success. According to his 2005 book Mastering the Universe: He-Man and the Rise and Fall of a Billion-Dollar Idea, Sweet knew that if he gave the marketing department something it could sell, he had won 90 percent of the battle.Sweet, Roger; David, Wecker Mastering the Universe : He-Man and the Rise and Fall of a Billion-Dollar Idea, Emmis Books July 11, 2005, {{ISBN|1-57860-223-8}} Sweet stated that "to sell this [to Wagner]", he glued a Big Jim figure—another Mattel toy line—into a battle action pose, added clay to its body, and had plaster casts made. These three prototypes would later go on to become He-Man. Furthermore, to sell this toy, Sweet stated that as a powerful figure, it could be applied to any context because the character had the generic name of He-Man.

{{Main|Masters of the Universe (comics)}}

In the illustrated books released with the first series of toys,{{cite web|url=https://www.comicvine.com/masters-of-the-universe-minicomic-he-man-and-the-power-sword/37-122969/|title=He-man and the Power Sword|author=Glut, Donald F.|publisher=Mattel|date=September 5, 2020|access-date=October 15, 2020}} He-Man is a barbarian from an Eternian tribe. The planet's inhabitants were dealing with the aftermath of the Great Wars, which devastated the civilizations that once ruled supreme. The wars left behind advanced machinery and weaponry, known only to select people. The Sorceress of Castle Grayskull gave He-Man some of these weapons, and he set out to defend the secrets of Castle Grayskull from the evil Skeletor. He-Man possessed one-half of the Power Sword; Skeletor had the second half and used it as his main weapon. When joined, the two halves provide the key to Castle Grayskull. In one early illustrated story, He-Man and Skeletor united their two Power Sword halves to form the true Power Sword, defeating Trap Jaw.{{cite news|author=Manning, Shaun|title=CCI EXCLUSIVE: Seeley Scripts New Adventures of He-Man|work=Comic Book Resources|date=July 28, 2011|url=https://www.cbr.com/cci-exclusive-seeley-scripts-new-adventures-of-he-man/|access-date=October 15, 2020}}

{{Main|He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2012 DC comic)}}

In June 2012, DC Comics began publishing a six-issue limited series, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, alongside the weekly digital-first series Masters of the Universe.{{cite news|title= EXCLUSIVE! DC Comics Launches Brand New 'He-Man and the Masters of The Universe' Comic From Writer James Robinson|website=MTV.com|author=Zalbenal|url=https://geek-news.mtv.com/2012/04/06/dc-comics-he-man-masters-of-the-universe-comic/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408193823/http://geek-news.mtv.com/2012/04/06/dc-comics-he-man-masters-of-the-universe-comic|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 8, 2012|date=April 6, 2012|access-date=January 4, 2017}}{{cite news|title= Philip Tan Calls on Power of Grayskull for New HE-MAN Design|work=Newsarama|url= http://www.newsarama.com/comics/philip-tan-he-man-masters-of-the-universe-art.html|date=May 17, 2012}}{{cite news|title=He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #1|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=July 5, 2012|url=https://www.cbr.com/he-man-and-the-masters-of-the-universe-1-2/|author=Zawisza, Doug|access-date=2012-07-19}} In He-Man: The Eternity War, He-Man is shown as married to Teela.He-Man: The Eternity War #15 (April 2016). DC Comics.

{{Overly detailed|date=June 2023}}

{{Main|He-Man and the Masters of the Universe}}

File:He-Man (Prince Adam).png provided the character's voice]]

In more than a few comic books and animated series, He-Man's (and She Ra's) origins had been revised: his true identity was Prince Adam of Eternia, son of King Randor and Queen Marlena (an earthling), who gave birth to twins Prince Adam/He-Man and Princess Adora/She Ra (Adora was abducted by the Evil Horde led by Hordak) and ruled the Kingdom of Eternia on the planet of the same name.{{cite magazine|title=Video: A He Man for All Seasons|magazine=Time|date=January 7, 1985|url=https://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,956236,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080519111800/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,956236,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2008}} The Sorceress of Castle Grayskull endowed Prince Adam with the power to transform into He-Man, which he did by raising his Power Sword and proclaiming, "By the power of Grayskull..." Once the transformation was complete, he would continue, "...I have the power!" The differences between Prince Adam and He-Man were minimal; He-Man had a slightly deeper voice, a different wardrobe, and slightly darker skin and hair.

Prince Adam's pet was a cowardly green tiger named Cringer. When Adam became He-Man, he transformed Cringer into a brave armored green tiger named Battle Cat by pointing his sword at him – an ability Adam discovered accidentally during one of his transformations into He-Man. Cringer cowered in fear at seeing what Adam had become; while reassuring him that nothing had changed, Adam pointed the sword of power at Cringer, which sent a bolt of energy toward the tiger and transformed him. Battle Cat served as He-Man's steed and fierce fighting companion ever since.{{cite web|url=https://uk.dvd.ign.com/articles/659/659754p1.html|title=He-Man and the Masters of the Universe – Season One, Volume One|access-date=October 15, 2020|work=IGN|date=October 19, 2005}} In a couple of versions of He-Man, he can use his sword to change into different versions of He-Man depending on the type of battles he is in, and can also use his sword to give friends, allies (as seen in Revelation and the new CGI version of Masters of the Universe), and animals besides Cringer power and enhanced abilities.

Adam was friendly with Teela who, unbeknownst to her, was the daughter of the Sorceress and was adopted by Prince Adam's mentor Duncan/Man-At-Arms. Adam and Teela grew up together and now, as Captain of the Guard, she was entrusted to protect him. Unaware of his identity as He-Man, she saw Adam as lazy and cowardly, an act he keeps up to prevent people from discovering his secret identity.{{cite news|title=Who da man? 'He-Man'|work=San Francisco Chronicle|date=August 11, 2002|url=https://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/2002-08-11/entertainment/17555624_1_anime-kiki-s-delivery-service-rings/3|access-date=March 7, 2010|author=Hart, Hugh|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424062306/http://articles.sfgate.com/2002-08-11/entertainment/17555624_1_anime-kiki-s-delivery-service-rings/3|archive-date=April 24, 2010}}

Man-At-Arms was He-Man's closest companion and the Eternian royal family's innovator of technology and weapons. He often unveiled new weapons or devices to help He-Man. Castle Grayskull was the source of He-Man's powers, where the Sorceress lived, who granted Adam his transformative abilities and communicated telepathically with him. To protect his family He-Man kept his double identity a secret, sharing it only with Orko, Man-At-Arms, Cringer, and the Sorceress. He-Man's archenemy was Skeletor, a blue-skinned sorcerer with a yellow skull for a head.{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7860384.stm|title=Panda director 'for He-Man movie|access-date=October 15, 2020|publisher=BBC News|date=January 30, 2009}} Skeletor was skilled in black magic and all forms of combat, being extremely cunning and intelligent. Skeletor was accompanied by a group of henchmen who aided his evil schemes.

The spin-off series She-Ra: Princess of Power revealed that Adam had a twin sister: Princess Adora, a leader of the Great Rebellion against Hordak on the planet Etheria. Adora, like Adam, was given the gift of the power of Grayskull and had her own sword which she used to transform into She-Ra, Princess of Power.{{cite news|url=https://tucson.com/entertainment/movies/article_824e5905-7b2a-51c4-98ec-31d523f22db0.html|author=Villarreal, Phil|title=Phil Villarreal's Review: Still a surefire hit with 6-year-olds|access-date=October 15, 2020|work=Arizona Daily Star|date=August 4, 2006}} He-Man made several appearances in the series.{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/articles/people/remembering-ishe-rai-and-ihe-mani-interview-lou-scheimer|author=Hendrickson, Dale|title=Remembering She-Ra and He-Man: Interview with Lou Scheimer|access-date=October 15, 2020|publisher=Animation World Network|date=November 7, 2006}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/04/the-best-of-she-ra-princess-of-power|title=The Best of She-Ra: Princess of Power Review|access-date=October 15, 2020|work=IGN|date=August 4, 2006}}

A decade on from the cancellation of the Filmation cartoon series, Lou Scheimer pitched a sequel series to Mattel in 1995 called "He-Ro: Son of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" in which He-Man was now King of Eternia, married to Teela, and had a son, Dare, who inherited the Sword of Power from him, using it to become the title character He-Ro, leading his comrades into battle against a returned Skeletor.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/he-man-masters-of-universe-trivia-facts-skeletor/|author=Wharton, David|title=15 Things You Didn't Know About He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe|access-date=March 18, 2022|publisher=Screen Rant|date=January 27, 2017}} The show was ultimately not picked up, although its premise has been embraced by fans as official canon and influenced the bios for the characters in the Masters of the Universe Classics toy line.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

{{Main|He-Man & She-Ra: A Christmas Special}}

{{Main|The New Adventures of He-Man}}

After the end of the Masters of the Universe toy line, Mattel attempted to revive interest in He-Man by producing a new toy line, entitled He-Man.{{cite web|url=https://masterscast.com/?p=46|title=Masters Cast – Episode 25|access-date=October 15, 2020|work=Masters Cast|date=25 June 2012 }} The storyline in the mini-comics packaged with the figures explained that He-Man had left Eternia and pursued Skeletor into the depths of space, who had set his sights on conquering the distant world of Primus, a planet with great technological resources. He-Man was shown to have relinquished the identity of Prince Adam altogether, basing himself on Primus where he led a team of defenders known as the Galactic Guardians. He-Man's appearance was retooled for the new toy line, with a space helmet and golden armor added to his attire to give him a more futuristic appearance; his sword was also redesigned.

A cartoon series was produced by Jetlag Productions to accompany the toy line, entitled The New Adventures of He-Man. Although generally following the storyline from the mini-comics, this series maintained the double identity of Prince Adam and He-Man. On the planet Primus, Prince Adam posed as a traveling merchant and the nephew of Master Serbian to disguise his secret identity. His transformation oath was altered slightly, to become "By the power of Eternia..."{{cite web|url=http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=5082|title=DVD Review: The New Adventures of He-Man – Volume 1|access-date=October 15, 2009|work=The Trades|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025124920/http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=5082|archive-date=October 25, 2007}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/25884/new-adventures-of-he-man-vol-1/|author=Douglass, Todd|title=DVD Review: The New Adventures of He-Man – Volume 1|access-date=October 15, 2020|work=DVD Talk|date=December 26, 2006}}

{{main|He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2002 TV series)}}

To tie in with a new line of action figures based upon the original toyline, a new He-Man cartoon series was produced in 2002–03 by Mike Young Productions, titled He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and given the marketing subtitle "vs. the Snake Men" in its second season.{{cite news|title= On the Tube: Cartoon Network brings He-Man, the Masters back for 20th anniversary|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=August 16, 2002|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/tv/20020816owen0816fnp4.asp|access-date=October 15, 2020|author=Owen, Rob}}{{cite news|author=Shaffer, R.L.|title=He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: The Complete Series (2002) DVD Review|work=IGN|date=October 15, 2009|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/15/he-man-and-the-masters-of-the-universe-the-complete-series-2002-dvd-review|access-date=October 15, 2020}} This series retold the Masters of the Universe story from the beginning. He-Man's origin was told in a 90-minute series premiere, in which the 16-year-old Prince Adam was summoned to Castle Grayskull by the Sorceress to assume the identity of He-Man and his role as Eternia’s defender.{{cite news|title=Improved 'He-Man' series heads to Cartoon Network|publisher= Chicago Tribune|date=August 16, 2002|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2002/08/16/improved-he-man-series-heads-to-cartoon-network/|access-date=October 15, 2020|author=Mowatt, Raoul V}}

The portrayal of his character in this series was consistent with Filmation's portrayal, although the character of Prince Adam was brasher and more youthfully energetic than his 1980s counterpart (conveying the image of a teenage boy saddled with the responsibility of defending a planet from evil).{{cite web|url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/32989/he-man-and-the-masters-of-the-universe-volume-one/|title=He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Season One, Volume One|access-date=October 15, 2020|work=DVD Talk |last=Siwek |first=Daniel|date=February 19, 2008}} The Adam/He-Man character was redesigned, to make the character's secret identity more credible.{{cite web|url=https://news.toonzone.net/articles/23430/masters-of-the-universe-2002-the-power-returns-in-style|title=Masters of the Universe 2002": The Power Returns, In Style|access-date=October 15, 2020|work=Toon Zone|archive-date=January 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119152935/http://news.toonzone.net/articles/23430/masters-of-the-universe-2002-the-power-returns-in-style|url-status=dead}}

{{Main|Masters of the Universe: Revelation}}

{{main|He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2021 TV series)}}

In December 2019, it was announced that in addition to their other series, Netflix would also be developing a new Masters of the Universe series using CGI animation. Rob David developing the series, producing it alongside Adam Bonnett, Christopher Keenan, Jeff Matsuda, and Susan Corbin. Bryan Q. Miller serves as story editor on the series. Animation services are being provided by House of Cool and CGCG Inc.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/12/he-man-masters-of-the-universe-netflix-mattel-cg-greyskull-skeletor-1202812653/|title='He-Man & The Masters Of The Universe': Netflix And Mattel Return To Greyskull For CG Series|work=Deadline|last=Boucher|first=Geoff|date=December 16, 2019}}

{{main|The Secret of the Sword}}

{{Main|Masters of the Universe (1987 film)}}

He-Man and Skeletor both make cameo appearances in the 2022 film Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers.{{cite web |last=Price|first=Joe|date=May 20, 2022|url=https://www.complex.com/music/post-malone-chip-n-dale-rescue-rangers-theme-song|title=Listen to Post Malone's Theme Song for New 'Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers' Movie|publisher=Complex Networks|accessdate=May 20, 2022}}

On April 29, 2019, actor Noah Centineo confirmed in an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that he would be playing He-Man in the Masters of the Universe reboot film, which was due to begin production in July 2019 and set for a 2020 release.{{cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/noah-centineo-confirms-hes-playing-he-man-in-masters-of-the-universe-i-am-very-excited-124290 |last=Seemayer |first=Zach |title=Noah Centineo Confirms He's Playing He-Man in 'Masters of the Universe': 'I Am Very Excited'|date=April 29, 2019 |work=Entertainment Tonight}} However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, he pulled out of casting two years later.{{cite web |last1=Verhoeven |first1=Beatrice |title=Noah Centineo No Longer Playing He-Man in 'Masters of the Universe' |url=https://www.thewrap.com/noah-centineo-no-longer-playing-he-man-in-masters-of-the-universe/ |website=TheWrap |access-date=November 10, 2021 |date=April 29, 2021}} In January 2022, it was announced that Kyle Allen had been cast in the role, with filming to begin that summer.{{cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |title='Masters Of The Universe' Live-Action Mattel Movie Heads To Netflix After Being In Development At Sony; Kyle Allen To Play He-Man |url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/masters-of-the-universe-movie-netflix-kyle-allen-he-man-1234922004/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=January 28, 2022 |date=January 28, 2022}} The movie was then canceled by Netflix and acquired by Amazon MGM. Nicholas Galitzine was cast as the character in May 2024.{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/masters-universe-movie-nicholas-galitzine-1235910399/|title='Masters of the Universe' Casts 'Idea of You' Star Nicholas Galitzine|website=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Mia|last=Galuppo|date=May 29, 2024}}{{cite web|date=May 29, 2024|title=Nicholas Galitzine To Play He-Man In Amazon MGM & Mattel's 'Masters Of The Universe' |url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/masters-of-the-universe-movie-taps-nicholas-galitzine-he-man-1235942984/|access-date=June 3, 2024|website=Deadline}}

This action-figure line combined elements from the He-Man universe into a cohesive storyline with biographies on the figures' packaging.{{cite web|title=There's No Disguising That MOTUC Preternia Disguise He-Man Is A Great Action Figure!|work=MTV|date=February 24, 2011|url=https://geek-news.mtv.com/2011/02/24/theres-no-disguising-that-motuc-preternia-disguise-he-man-is-a-great-action-figure/|access-date=February 28, 2011|url-status= dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227202119/http://geek-news.mtv.com/2011/02/24/theres-no-disguising-that-motuc-preternia-disguise-he-man-is-a-great-action-figure/|archive-date=February 27, 2011}} These biographies suggested that several "He-Men" have come into existence – such as Vikor (based on an early concept design for the vintage He-Man), Oo-Larr (based on the jungle He-Man from the first minicomic.{{Cite web|date=2021-11-23|title=Masters of the Universe: Revelation Part 2 Review – Until Next Time!|url=https://www.superherohype.com/tv/508289-masters-of-the-universe-revelation-part-two-review-until-next-time-take-two|access-date=2021-12-03|website=SuperHeroHype}} Adam takes over as King of Eternia as King He-Man, marries Teela, and they have a son named Dare.{{cite web|url=https://www.hemanworld.com/king-he-man/|title=King He-Man|website=He-Man World|access-date=March 18, 2022}}

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{{Unreliable sources section|date=June 2023}}

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He-Man was characterized as possessing super speed, heightened agility, superhuman strength, increased stamina and endurance. The extent of his strength was unknown, but on one occasion he was able to hoist Castle Grayskull and throw it through an interdimensional portal. He-Man also demonstrated his strength by lifting mountains and icebergs and hurling them toward a desired target. On one occasion, he welded a broken metal chain together simply by pushing the links together. In the episode "She-Demon of Phantos", he was shown to be the only person to break Photanium (claimed by Man-At-Arms to be the strongest metal in the universe). In the comics, he was shown as being able to go one-on-one with pre-Crisis Superman. On the original action figure's packaging and in the introductory sequence of the 1980s cartoon series, He-Man is claimed to be "the most powerful man in the universe". His strength was derived from magical powers within Castle Grayskull. In the Episode of the original series "Eternal Darkness","Eternal Darkness" He-Man was shown pushing a moon of Eternia into a specific orbit, and then later returning it to its original position by hand.{{cite news|author=Kit, Borys|title=Scribes take on "Masters of the Universe"|work=Reuters|date=April 12, 2010|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE63B2IK20100412|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525111727/http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE63B2IK20100412|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 25, 2012|access-date=October 15, 2020}}

He can remain as He-Man for as long as he wants but if he takes too much damage or uses too much raw force, he will revert to his original form of Adam. In the 2002 series, He-Man is shown enduring the brunt of at least two large explosions, which he survives, but reverts to Adam in the process, suggesting that even He-Man has a limit as to how much abuse he can endure before his superhuman strength and stamina are exhausted. For He-Man to change back to Prince Adam he holds out his power sword, says "Let the power return!", and then He-Man and Battle Cat would change back into Prince Adam and Cringer. In the 2002 series, He-Man was shown enduring the brunt of the Ram Stone of Zalasia (a gem whose mystic force could pierce any barrier or topple any obstruction). He survived but reverted to Adam in the process. In combat against the snake-god Serpos, He-Man was struck by the giant snake's tail and sent crashing into a mountain. When he fell to the ground, he was again in Adam's form; this suggested that there was a limit to He-Man's strength and stamina.

He-Man's prowess is not limited to strength; he is also depicted as being extremely quick and acrobatic. His speed has been demonstrated by running fast enough to escape massive explosions and moving his arms fast enough to counteract the winds of a tornado. He-Man is also shown leaping great heights, usually flipping through the air several times before landing safely on his feet.

It is also suggested that He-Man possesses some form of telepathic powers as well. There were several instances in the original TV series where He-Man was able to communicate and sense the presence of the Sorceress by telepathy. It was also shown that he has the ability to communicate with his sister She-Ra across great distances.

He-Man as a character is largely non-violent, only resorting to combat as a last resort. He used his intellect more often, preferring to outsmart his adversaries; most violent actions typically consisted of body-throws. In accordance with broadcast standards of the period, in the Filmation cartoon, He-Man could not use his sword as an offensive weapon or punch or kick anyone. He was only allowed to destroy robotic enemies. The 1987 film and 2002 series, however, showed him fighting more aggressively. He-Man was depicted as a leader – most noticeably in the film adaptation, where he is referred to as the "leader" of the resistance. Skeletor intended to force him into submission, rather than killing him – fearing that doing the latter would turn He-Man into a martyr who would inspire others to fight.

He-Man's primary weapon was his sword, but he also used other weapons (such as a laser-gun in the film and the mini-comics, a battle axe, a shield, and other equipment – including vehicles) while battling his foes. His sword, apparently indestructible, could deflect bolts of energy. His sister Adora's Sword of Protection was not entirely indestructible; the stone in the hilt was once damaged, preventing her from transforming. In addition, the sword gave him the ability to transform from Prince Adam into He-Man (and back) by utilizing the powers of Castle Grayskull. He also uses his sword to transform Cringer into Battle Cat. In the earliest versions of the story (for example, the first four minicomics) He-Man's primary weapon was an axe, because the sword was intended to serve as a plot device that would only be used in order to gain entry into Castle Grayskull. The breastplate on his power harness was made of an Eternian mineral (Coridite) which helped add to his physical strength. The origin of the power harness was explained in the episode "Evil-Lyn's Plot" (written by Paul Dini).

• John Erwin (1985, 2005; He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, The Secret of the Sword, She-Ra: Princess of Power, He-Man & She-Ra: A Christmas Special, Family Guy (Prince Adam){{Cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Family-Guy/Prince-Adam/|title=Voice of Prince Adam in Family Guy|website=Behind The Voice Actors|language=en-US|access-date=2023-08-22}})
• Jack Wadsworth (1987; Masters of the Universe Power Tour){{cite news|title=Mattel Tries to Stage a Revival: Floundering He-Man Brought to Life and Told to Hit the Road|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-15-mn-10697-story.html|access-date=September 3, 2023|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 15, 1987}}
• Dolph Lundgren (1987; Masters of the Universe)
• Doug Parker (1990; The New Adventures of He-Man (Prince Adam))
• Garry Chalk (1990; The New Adventures of He-Man (He-Man))
• Cam Clarke (2002–2005, 2016; He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2002), He-Man: Defender of Grayskull, He-Man: Tappers of Grayskull, He-Man: Tappers of Grayskull Miniseries)
• David A. Kaye (2002–2003; He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2002) (Prince Adam, young))
• Chris Wood (2021–2024; Masters of the Universe: Revelation)
• Yuri Lowenthal (2021; He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2021))
• Nicholas Galitzine (2026; Masters of the Universe)

• Burr Middleton (1982; Mattel commercial){{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQoa9b9jOkc&t=254s|title=The FIRST Animated He-Man – The story of the "Lost" Mattel Commercial|date=29 March 2023 |publisher=YouTube|access-date=September 3, 2023}}
• Keith Scott (1985; Streets commercial)
• Rich Orlow (2017; GEICO commercial){{Cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/commercials/GEICO/He-Man/|title=Voice of He-Man in GEICO|website=Behind The Voice Actors|language=en-US|access-date=2022-05-30}}
• Alan Oppenheimer (2022; Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers){{Cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Chip-n-Dale-Rescue-Rangers/He-Man/|title=Voice of He-Man in Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers|website=Behind The Voice Actors|language=en-US|access-date=2022-05-25}}

• Macaulay Culkin (2005; Robot Chicken (Prince Adam)){{Cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Robot-Chicken/Prince-Adam/|title=Voice(s) of Prince Adam in Robot Chicken|website=Behind The Voice Actors|language=en-US|access-date=2023-08-22}}
• Adam Talbott (2005; Robot Chicken){{Cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Robot-Chicken/He-Man/|title=Voice(s) of He-Man in Robot Chicken|website=Behind The Voice Actors|language=en-US|access-date=2023-08-22}}
• Patrick Pinney (2007–2008, 2011–2012, 2018; Robot Chicken)
• Kevin Urban (2014; Family Guy: The Quest for Stuff){{Cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Family-Guy-The-Quest-for-Stuff/He-Man/|title=Voice of He-Man in Family Guy: The Quest for Stuff|website=Behind The Voice Actors|language=en-US|access-date=2023-08-22}}
• Seth Green (2014; Robot Chicken)
• Chris Pratt (2014; Saturday Night Live){{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHml_J1PN9Y|title=He-Man and Lion-O – SNL|date=28 September 2014 |publisher=YouTube|access-date=September 3, 2023}}

{{main|He-Man as a gay icon}}

David Chlopecki argues that Prince Adam's appearance, such as his pink spandex clothing, conforms to gay stereotypes,{{cite web |last1=Zakarin |first1=Jordan |title=Why one expert says He-Man is the 'gayest show ever' |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/why-one-expert-says-he-man-is-the-gayest-show-ever-fandom-files-14 |website=Syfy Wire |publisher=Syfy |access-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303025556/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/why-one-expert-says-he-man-is-the-gayest-show-ever-fandom-files-14 |archive-date=March 3, 2021 |date=January 29, 2018 |url-status=live}} while NPR said the character's appearance adds to the show's gay subtext because He-Man's outfit resembles those of leather subculture,{{cite web |last= |date=July 24, 2021 |title=Show, Don't Mattel: 'Masters Of The Universe: Revelation' Is Toying With You |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/07/24/1017915277/show-dont-mattel-masters-of-the-universe-revelation-is-toying-with-you?t=1633213432846 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002231611/https://www.npr.org/2021/07/24/1017915277/show-dont-mattel-masters-of-the-universe-revelation-is-toying-with-you?t=1633213432846 |archive-date=October 2, 2021 |access-date=October 2, 2021 |publisher=NPR}} and including a bondage harness, which in the 1980s was considered to be homoerotic imagery.{{cite web |last1=Gramuglia |first1=Anthony |title=Fabulous Secret Powers: Masters of the Universe's LGBTQ Fandom |url=https://www.cbr.com/fabulous-secret-powers-masters-of-the-universe-lgbtq/ |website=Comic Book Resources |publisher=Valnet Inc. |access-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318082457/https://www.cbr.com/fabulous-secret-powers-masters-of-the-universe-lgbtq/ |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |date=May 18, 2020 |url-status=live}} Attention has also been paid to Adam's transformation into He-Man through his "fabulous powers"{{cite web |last1=Rodriquez |first1=Matthew |title=25 Cartoon Characters Who Should Just Come Out Already |url=https://www.out.com/television/2019/5/20/25-cartoon-characters-who-should-just-come-out-already |website=Out |publisher=Pride Media |access-date=October 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612005543/https://www.out.com/television/2019/5/20/25-cartoon-characters-who-should-just-come-out-already#media-gallery-media-1 |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |date=May 20, 2019 |url-status=live}} and phallic sword.

The character's double life has also been noted as queer subtext. According to Battis, Adam's need to "hide his true identity as [He-Man]" is one of the show's key queer aspects.{{sfn|Battis|2021|pages=63}} British newspaper The Daily Telegraph noted fan interpretations that the character's dual identity represents a man's struggle to accept his sexuality; Prince Adam is closeted while He-Man is "out-and-proud".{{cite web |date=January 28, 2016 |title=The long and speculative history of gay characters on children's TV shows – He-Man |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2015/the-long-and-speculative-history-of-gay-characters-on-childrens-tv-shows/he-man/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509192436/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2015/the-long-and-speculative-history-of-gay-characters-on-childrens-tv-shows/he-man/ |archive-date=May 9, 2016 |access-date=July 27, 2021 |website=The Daily Telegraph}} Writing for The Johns Hopkins News-Letter, Matt Johnson described the series' depiction of He-Man as a "thinly veiled treatise on the state of gay male sexuality in the eighties".{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Matt |title=How man is He-Man? |url=https://www.jhunewsletter.com/article/2001/10/how-man-is-he-man-12388/ |website=The Johns Hopkins News-Letter |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729130316/https://www.jhunewsletter.com/article/2001/10/how-man-is-he-man-12388/ |archive-date=July 29, 2021 |date=October 4, 2001 |url-status=live}}

Adam B. Vary said the original cartoon series contains gay subtext, which the live-action movie Masters of the Universe almost turns into explicit text,{{cite magazine |last1=Vary |first1=Adam B. |title=Who is the coolest 'He-Man' character? |url=https://ew.com/article/2011/06/21/he-man-who-is-the-coolest/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Meredith Corporation |access-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211035135/https://ew.com/article/2011/06/21/he-man-who-is-the-coolest/ |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |date=June 21, 2011 |url-status=live}} portraying a "tragic unrequited romance between He-Man and Skeletor", singling out Skeletor's "warped obsession" with He-Man and He-Man never showing an interest in women.{{cite web |last1=Vary |first1=Adam B. |title="Masters Of The Universe" Is Actually A Tragic Gay Love Story Between He-Man And Skeletor |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/masters-of-the-universe-a-tragic-gay-love-story |website=BuzzFeed |access-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111214748/https://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/masters-of-the-universe-a-tragic-gay-love-story |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |date=October 22, 2013 |url-status=live}} The homoeroticism of He-Man's relationship with Man-at-Arms was highlighted in a re-cut trailer uploaded to Youtube titled "Brokeback Snake Mountain".{{sfn|Elledge|2010|pages=140}}

He-Man's homoeroticism resulted in the character and show drawing a gay audience when the cartoon first aired, with the character being now viewed as a gay icon.{{cite web |last1=Collins |first1=Hannah |title=Queer Heroes: 15 Superheroes Who Are Gay Icons |url=https://www.cbr.com/superhero-gay-icons/ |website=Comic Book Resources |publisher=Valnet Inc. |access-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125225515/https://www.cbr.com/superhero-gay-icons/ |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |date=October 10, 2017 |url-status=live}} Men's Health reported gay men were one of the three core groups that were collectors of He-Man toys at conventions, alongside body builders and law-enforcement.{{cite web |last1=Huls |first1=Alexander |title=Why He-Man Is a Gay Icon |url=https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a33446186/gay-he-man/ |magazine=Men's Health |publisher=Hearst Communications |access-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515151015/https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a33446186/gay-he-man/ |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |date=September 21, 2020 |url-status=live}} ND Stevenson, the creator, showrunner, and executive producer of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018–20) has also stated that He-Man—alongside She-Ra—is a gay icon,Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/m0MGIJI0ep4 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200825053848/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0MGIJI0ep4&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media |people=Comic-Con International |date=July 26, 2020 |title=Out In Comics 33: Virtually Yours – Comic-Con@Home 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0MGIJI0ep4 |access-date=July 27, 2021 |via=YouTube }}{{cbignore}} and the character's LGBT fanbase has been credited as helping provide support for the inclusion of openly gay characters in the reboot.

When development on a live-action remake of the film was first-announced, LGBT lifestyle magazine Out also described the original series as "one of the gayest ... cartoons of all time", and said the 1987 film "turn[ed] an entire generation of boys at least a little gay".{{cite web |last1=Brathwaite |first1=Les Fabian |title=Kellan Lutz in Talks to Play He-Man in Masters of the Universe Reboot |url=https://www.out.com/popnography/2016/6/28/kellan-lutz-talks-play-he-man-masters-universe-reboot |website=Out |publisher=Pride Media |access-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118201215/https://www.out.com/popnography/2016/6/28/kellan-lutz-talks-play-he-man-masters-universe-reboot |archive-date=January 18, 2021 |date=June 28, 2016 |url-status=live}} Instinct magazine's Gerald Biggerstaff described the original cartoon as being quite popular with gay men who grew up in the 1980s and 90s, and that for many of them, He-Man "prompted [their] gay awakenings".{{cite web |last1=Biggerstaff |first1=Gerald |title=Netflix Sets Date For Sequel Series of Eighties Cartoon, 'He-Man' |url=https://instinctmagazine.com/netflix-sets-date-for-sequel-series-of-eighties-cartoon-he-man/ |website=Instinct |publisher=Juki Media |access-date=October 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915162647/https://instinctmagazine.com/netflix-sets-date-for-sequel-series-of-eighties-cartoon-he-man/ |archive-date=September 15, 2021 |date=May 14, 2021 |url-status=live}} In 2003, HX Magazine editors compiled a list of must-see television series with attractive male leads, with He-Man as himself and based on his appearance in the 2002 reboot—the only animated character to make the list—being described as the "object of all our childhood wet dreams".{{cite journal |title=Homo Must See TV |journal=HX Magazine |date=February 28, 2003 |issue=599 |pages=24–25 |url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=qth&AN=9188769&site=eds-live&scope=site |access-date=October 17, 2021 |issn=1524-0339}} British magazine Gay Times compiled a list of cartoon characters their editors were attracted to while growing up; He-Man was at the top of the list, taking note of Dolph Lundgren's depiction of him in the live-action film.{{cite magazine |title=Cartoons We've Fancied |magazine=Gay Times |date=2010 |issue=382 |pages=52–54 |url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=qth&AN=51685985&site=eds-live&scope=site |access-date=October 17, 2021 |publisher=Millivres Prowler Group Ltd. |issn=0950-6101}} In the same publication, actor Andrew Hayden-Smith said 2016 he realized he was gay while playing with his He-Man figure as a child, being attracted to the character's physique—particularly his pecs.{{cite magazine |last1=Hayden-Smith |first1=Andrew |editor1-last=Scott |editor1-first=Darren |title=My Gay Life |journal=Gay Times |date=November 2016 |pages=158–159 |url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=qth&AN=118852536&site=eds-live&scope=site |access-date=October 17, 2021 |publisher=Millivres Prowler Limited |issn=0950-6101}}

According to Mark Morse, Mattel's director of global marketing from 2008 to 2017, by 2018, when a "Laughing Prince Adam" action figure was released, the question of He-Man's sexuality and whether a future installment in the franchise should have him be openly gay had not been discussed. In an interview with gay lifestyle online magazine Queerty, Rob David and Tim Sheridan, who work on the show Masters of the Universe: Revelation, discussed the character's homoeroticism and gay fanbase.{{cite web |last1=Reddish |first1=David |title='He-Man' writers on character's enduring homoeroticism in 'Masters of the Universe: Revelation' |url=https://www.queerty.com/man-writers-characters-enduring-homoeroticism-masters-universe-revelation-20210723 |website=Queerty |publisher=Q.Digital |access-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725052554/https://www.queerty.com/man-writers-characters-enduring-homoeroticism-masters-universe-revelation-20210723 |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |date=July 23, 2021 |url-status=live}} According to David, who is an executive producer of Revelation and Mattel's Vice President of Creative Content, Mattel is "very comfortable" with He-Man's gay audience and the perception of the character as a gay icon.

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book |last1=Battis |first1=Jes |title=Thinking Queerly |date=2021 |publisher=Medieval Institute Publications |doi=10.1515/9781501515330 |isbn=978-1-5015-1533-0 |s2cid=242903554 |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781501515330/html}}
• {{cite book |editor1-last=Campbell |editor1-first=Alyson |editor2-last=Gindt |editor2-first=Dirk |title=Viral Dramaturgies: HIV and AIDS in Performance in the Twenty-First Century |date=2018 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-3-319-70317-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EIBSDwAAQBAJ}}
• {{cite book |editor1-last=Elledge |editor1-first=Jim |title=Queers in American Popular Culture |date=2010 |volume=1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qp52mROzDMYC |publisher=ABC-Clio |isbn=978-0-313-35457-1}}
• {{cite book |editor1-last=Richards |editor1-first=Leah |editor2-last=Ziegler |editor2-first=John R. |title=Representation in Steven Universe |date=2020 |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=978-3-030-31881-9}}
• {{cite book |editor1-last=Sears |editor1-first=James Thomas |title=Youth, Education, and Sexualities — Volume One: A–J |date=2005 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-313-32754-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q4MpSehmiFUC}}

{{refend}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{IMDb title|0126158}} (1983–1985 series)
• {{IMDb title|0093507}} (1987 live action film)
• {{IMDb title|0169477}} (1990–1991 series)
• {{IMDb title|0331744}} (2002 series)

{{Portal bar|Television|Film|Cartoon|Animation|Toys|1980s|United States}}

{{Masters of the Universe}}

Category:1980s toys

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