The ‘Masters of the Universe’ star is set to transform into Hoyt Richards, one of the most fascinating and controversial figures in fashion history.
After stepping into the role of He-Man in Masters of the Universe, Nicholas Galitzine has already secured his next major film project. The British actor has been cast as Hoyt Richards, widely regarded as the world’s first male supermodel, in a new feature directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gus Van Sant.
While plot details remain firmly under wraps, the choice of subject has already generated considerable interest across both the film and fashion industries. Richards’ life contains all the elements of a compelling cinematic story: international fame, runway success, excess, manipulation and one of the most extraordinary personal journeys ever seen within the fashion world.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Hoyt Richards became one of the most sought-after faces in the industry. He fronted campaigns for some of the world’s most influential fashion houses, including Versace, Ralph Lauren and Burberry, during a period when male models were beginning to achieve an unprecedented level of global visibility and celebrity status.
Behind the glamour, however, lay a far more complex reality. In later years, Richards revealed how he became involved with a cult-like organisation known as Eternal Values, led by Friedrich von Mierers. According to various accounts, the group targeted young male models by offering spiritual guidance and a sense of purpose, ultimately extracting millions of dollars from some of its members.
Richards’ story has recently returned to the spotlight thanks to the HBO documentary series Bring Me the Beauties, which explores in depth his meteoric rise within the fashion industry, his involvement with the organisation and the manipulation that shaped a pivotal chapter of his life.
For Nicholas Galitzine, the role represents another significant step in a career that continues to expand beyond fantasy and blockbuster productions. With Gus Van Sant at the helm and a subject whose life is stranger than fiction, the project is already emerging as one of the most intriguing upcoming films on the horizon.
