The underground caverns and tunnels were transformed into an otherworldly set for the big-budget production.

One of Devon’s most extraordinary hidden gems was used as a unique filming location for Travis Knight’s Masters of the Universe blockbuster, providing a dramatic underground Eternia setting for some big scenes in the film.

Where was Masters of the Universe filmed?

Beer Quarry Caves, near Seaton in Devon made for an ideal filming location for the He-Man feature.  The vast complex of underground caves, carved out over centuries of quarrying the world famous Beer Stone, has a history stretching back to Roman times – its stone used in the construction of many cathedrals, including Exeter and St Paul’s, as well as Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle.

Now the caves and its labyrinth of tunnels have a new claim to fame, putting some Hollywood action alongside their ancient heritage.

Film Devon explored the caves with the team at Beer and you can see why the location caught the eye of the production team. The sheer scale of the underground complex, with its wide, rocky expanses, soaring vaulted ceilings and towering stone pillars, made it a natural fit for the kind of dramatic, otherworldly setting Masters of the Universe required.

The production’s crew moved in a couple of months ahead of filming last year, supported by the local Quarry and Caves expert team, constructing and dressing sets deep within the caves before the cameras rolled for a number of days, including some [no spoilers!] exciting action scenes.

“What impressed me the most was the sheer force and professionalism of making it all happen.”

– Steve Rodgers, Manager at Beer Quarry Caves

“It was fantastic from day one when they arrived, all the way through to the end. The Location Manager Sam (Millner) was brilliant” said Steve Rodgers, Manager at Beer Quarry Caves, who was in charge of the site and helped the crew organise their set up on the location – which included a large number of vehicles, marquees for background artists, generators, construction teams, and of course sets and props to dress the caves up for their big screen moments.

“What impressed me the most was the sheer force and professionalism of making it all happen, getting stuff done fast whilst managing the ecology of the location. They looked after me and were respectful of the area.

Wonderful to see it all transformed and how they all did it. I enjoyed the company and the experience, plus all the chats with the crew, chippies and electricians.  When they left you wouldn’t have known they had been there – I hope they come back again.”

The production also hired some additional local crew from the area which is always an added positive when a production films in a location.

Five local runners from the area were recruited to assist with the preparation and filming days, along with a number of Devon-based background artists, and local film services provider Devon Film Logistics were able to provide some essential location equipment for the shoot.  One local Seaton resident was hired as a make-up artist for the film to help ensure the actors looked their best on camera.

A local plant hire company was also brought in by the production to move around some of the large pieces of site equipment on the location and help the crew to access some of the cave location.

Filming also took place in neighbouring Somerset’s Wookey Hole, and Wells Cathedral so the production ended up being a wonderful South West showcase of locations, crew, local communities and team collaboration.

A beloved, iconic franchise

The film is based on the iconic 1980s He-Man franchise, which began life as a Mattel toy line in the 80s before spawning the hugely popular animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe – a Saturday morning staple that became a defining part of a generation’s childhood.

The new, live-action big-screen adaptation follows Prince Adam, who after being separated for many years from his Sword of Power, is led back to Eternia – only to find his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor. To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela and Duncan/Man-At-Arms, and embrace his true destiny as He-Man…the most powerful man in the universe (cue lightning bolts and awesome music).

Starring Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man and Jared Leto as the legendary villain Skeletor, the film also features Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, Alison Brie, Sam C Wilson, Kristen Wiig and Somerset’s James Purefoy.

Film Devon had the awesome pleasure of seeing the film at a London screening ahead of the release, and we can confirm – it’s a total blast of big screen popcorn fun, definitely one to catch at your local cinema.

Directed by Travis Knight, Masters of the Universe is out now (June 3 2026) in the UK, and released in the USA on June 5 2026.

Masters of the Universe is the latest production to discover what some filmmakers have known for years – Devon is one of the UK’s most compelling places to shoot. Period dramas, television classics and Hollywood blockbusters have all found what they needed here, drawn by landscapes that shift from rugged coastline to ancient woodland, historic estates to subterranean caves.

That variety is Devon’s calling card – offering so much in one place – and for visitors, there’s the added thrill of standing in the exact spot where their favourite scenes came to life.

If you’re interested in visiting the impressive Beer Quarry & Caves in Devon yourself, you can take an official tour of the site, just pack something warm for heading underground – and your He-Man figures.

Photo credits: Giles Keyte and Amazon MGM Studios. © 2026 Amazon MGM Studios Content Services LLC

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