Camila Mendes has officially entered her blockbuster era, trading in Riverdale’s high school drama for the larger-than-life action of Masters of the Universe. In her latest role as Teela, the tough and empathetic heroine of Eternia, Mendes has captivated audiences not only with her acting chops but also with her physical transformation for the role. In an exclusive interview with Refinery29, Mendes opened up about the challenges and triumphs of preparing for such a physically demanding part, her journey to embracing strength, and what it means for women in Hollywood to portray characters who are unapologetically powerful.
- Camila Mendes trained extensively to bulk up for her role as Teela in Masters of the Universe.
- She highlighted a common fear among women about putting on muscle, challenging stereotypes about femininity and strength.
- Mendes emphasized the importance of portraying female characters who can save themselves and others.
- The film debuts on June 5, 2026, and may be the start of a new franchise.
Camila Mendes’ Transformation: From Riverdale to Eternia
Known for her role as Veronica Lodge on the hit show Riverdale, Camila Mendes has taken a leap into a completely different genre with Masters of the Universe. As Teela, she not only had to embody the emotional depth of a leader guiding others towards their own strength but also adopt the physicality required for action-packed fight scenes. Mendes described the months of training as both exhilarating and challenging.
“I’ve always loved working out,” she admitted in her interview. “But I’ve never had such specific fitness goals before, like bulking up and putting on muscle. It was an incredible experience, and I felt so strong during filming.” She also noted how the experience changed her perspective on fitness: “Women sometimes fear weight training because they think they’ll get ‘too big,’ but honestly, feeling strong is the best feeling ever.”
Balancing Strength with Empathy
While Teela is physically strong and capable, Mendes was mindful of the risk of portraying her as overly tough and unrelatable. “I always worry that when you play a strong character, people might struggle to connect with her. But the director, Travis Knight, did a beautiful job of ensuring Teela’s strength was matched with her sensitivity and heart,” Mendes explained.
Teela is not just a hero for herself; she’s a pillar of support for others. Mendes noted how her character helps Duncan and Adam reconnect with their inner strength, making her strength more about empowerment than dominance. “[Teela] is the one holding their hands until they’re ready to fight for themselves,” Mendes said.
Months of Training for Action Scenes
For anyone wondering if Mendes did her own stunts, the answer is a resounding yes—but not without months of preparation. “Those few seconds of screen time you see in fight scenes took months of training to master,” she revealed. The rigorous training not only prepared her for the physical demands of the role but also left her feeling more confident and capable.
Her transformation wasn’t just physical—it was emotional and empowering. Mendes has become an advocate for women embracing strength, challenging stereotypes about femininity, and encouraging others to see muscle as a symbol of power rather than something to shy away from.
The Future of Masters of the Universe
With its mix of campy fun and heartfelt storytelling, Masters of the Universe could easily become a major franchise. Mendes is optimistic about the possibility. “Of course, that’s the dream,” she said. “I’d love to dig deeper into the characters and get another crack at Teela.”
The film hits theaters on June 5, 2026, featuring an ensemble cast including Nicholas Galitzine, Alison Brie, Idris Elba, and Jared Leto. Regardless of whether a sequel is greenlit, Mendes has already proven her versatility and commitment to her craft.
What This Means for You
Camila Mendes’ portrayal of Teela is a reminder that strength—both physical and emotional—can coexist with vulnerability and empathy. Her experience bulking up for the role challenges outdated notions of femininity and encourages women to embrace their own strength unapologetically.
If you’ve ever hesitated to try weight training or worried about how muscle might change your appearance, Mendes’ journey can be an inspiration. Feeling strong doesn’t just change your body; it changes your mindset, helping you face challenges with greater confidence.
For fans of Masters of the Universe, Mendes’ performance highlights the importance of teamwork and mutual support. Teela’s story isn’t just about saving herself—it’s about lifting others up and creating a community of heroes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Masters of the Universe premiere?
The film debuts in theaters on June 5, 2026.
Did Camila Mendes do her own stunts?
Yes, Mendes trained for months to prepare for the fight scenes and performed many of her own stunts.
What message does Mendes hope audiences take from Teela’s character?
She hopes viewers see Teela as a symbol of strength and empathy, inspiring others to embrace their power and help those around them.
Will Masters of the Universe become a franchise?
Mendes is optimistic and hopes to continue exploring Teela’s story in future films.
Why is Mendes encouraging women to embrace weight training?
Mendes believes weight training can empower women, helping them feel stronger and more confident both physically and emotionally.
