Mattel unveils massive MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE publishing program ahead of theatrical film

Mattel, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAT), a leading global play and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, today announced a bold Masters of the Universe publishing program launching throughout 2026 from Mattel Press, the company’s own publishing platform, and partners. Part of a broader strategic plan to expand the franchise to new and diverse audiences worldwide across toys, film, digital experiences, consumer products, and publishing, the slate spans a film-adjacent novel, original middle-grade stories, comics, a graphic novel, and an art book, reinforcing the brand’s storytelling reach for fans of all ages. 

Ryan Ferguson, Global Head of Publishing at Mattel, said: “Masters of the Universe has always been more than a single format—it’s a mythology that evolves across generations and mediums. With this publishing initiative, we aren’t just retelling the film’s story; we’re expanding the world of Eternia in ways that invite fans to go deeper and discover new facets of the universe. Through Mattel Press, we’re partnering with New York Times-bestselling authors and top creative talent to move quickly into diverse formats and reach a broader range of readers, while still delivering rich, meaningful storytelling for longtime fans. From character-driven young adult novels to manga-inspired narratives and fan-centric celebrations of the lore, this slate reflects our ambition to build Masters of the Universe into a fully realized, multi-platform franchise that resonates with fans old and new.” 

Timed to the new, live-action adventure movie Masters of the Universe from Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Studios, releasing theatrically in the U.S. on June 5, 2026, and internationally this June, the publishing program from Mattel Press brings the film to life with titles that let readers go deeper into Eternia: 

• • Masters of the Universe: The Junior Novel – A junior novel retelling the story of the film for younger readers by Steve Behling (Publishing May 5, 2026)

  • Masters of the Universe: The Power Within and Masters of the Universe: I Am He-Man! – A storybook and early reader based on the film, respectively, written by Eric Geron (Publishing May 5, 2026)
  • Teela: Daughter of Eternos – An original young adult novel, set in the film universe, written by New York Times bestselling author Mackenzi Lee that expands the story of Teela, Man-at-Arms and Evil-Lyn (Publishing June 2, 2026)
  • Masters of the Universe: The Art of the Film – A coffee table book offering in-depth visual celebration of the cinematic world of the film (Publishing September 22, 2026) 

Working with partners Dark Horse Comics and TokyoPop, comics and graphic storytelling play a major role in the program’s breadth: 

• Masters of the Universe: The Wings of Fate – A new four-issue comic series set in the film universe of Masters of the Universe, from Dark Horse Comics. Written by Tim Sheridan, illustrated by Will Sliney, colored by Israel Silva, and lettered by AndWorld Design (Publishing beginning June 10 through October 2026) 

• Masters of the Universe: Legends of Eternia – A manga-style graphic novel set in the film universe, a first for the brand, from TOKYOPOP and written by Amanda Deibert (Publishing November 1, 2026)  

The program also delivers strong evergreen and fan-favorite content beyond the film from Mattel Press: 

• Retro Power! Coloring Book – An adult coloring book featuring original 1980’s coloring book art for He-Man and She-Ra (Publishing May 5, 2026) 

• Skeletor Has No Friends – A humorous picture book where Skeletor learns that even evil villains need to be a little bit nice written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Robb Pearlman and illustrated by Andrew Kolb (Publishing May 5, 2026) 

• Skeletor Ate My Homework (The Adventures of He-Man and Porter #1) – A laugh out loud original middle-grade book about a boy named Porter (from Fort Lauderdale, Florida) who is transported to the world of Eternia written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephan Pastis and illustrated by Will Henry (Publishing September 1, 2026) 

Beyond publishing, the franchise will roll out additional announcements throughout 2026 with consumer products, digital games and more.  

Masters of the Universe: The Junior Novel 
Publication Date: May 5, 2026 | Mattel Press | Ages 8-12 | 9781640366046 
Available for preorder HERE

Masters of the Universe: The Power Within
Publication Date: May 5, 2026 | Mattel Press | Ages 3-7 | 9781640366053
Available for preorder HERE

Masters of the Universe: I Am He-Man!
Publication Date: May 5, 2026 | Mattel Press | Ages 3-7 | 9781640366060 Available for preorder HERE 

Masters of the Universe: Retro Power! Coloring Book
Publication Date: May 5, 2026 | Mattel Press | Ages 4 to 94 | 9781640366022 Available for preorder HERE 

Masters of the Universe: Skeletor Has No Friends 
Publication Date: May 5, 2026 | Mattel Press | Ages 3-7 | 9781640366015 Available for preorder HERE 

Teela: Daughter of Eternos
Publication Date: June 2, 2026 | Mattel Press | Ages 13+ | 9781640366084 Available for preorder HERE 

Skeletor Ate My Homework (The Adventures of He-Man and Porter #1) Publication Date: September 1, 2026 | Mattel Press | Ages 8-12 | 9781640366039 

Masters of the Universe: The Art of the Film
Publication Date: September 22, 2026 | Mattel Press | Ages 12+| 9781640366220