Actor Samuel C. Wilson, 35, recently shared his experience of working alongside Sir Idris Elba on the set of the new Masters of the Universe film. Wilson, who portrays the cyborg villain Trap Jaw, revealed that training with Elba and filming intense combat scenes left him starstruck while he navigated the physical challenges of heavy prosthetics and a significant body transformation.
How did Samuel C. Wilson prepare for the role of Trap Jaw?
To embody the iconic cyborg henchman, Wilson underwent a rigorous physical transformation. According to Wilson, he gained more than 20kg (44lb) to achieve the necessary physique for the character. He credited his training success to his co-star, Sir Idris Elba, who is widely recognized for his physical strength. Wilson sought advice from Elba on how to gain size and strength, which led to a collaborative training regimen between the two actors.
What were the challenges of acting under heavy prosthetics?
The transformation into Trap Jaw was an intensive daily process. Wilson reported spending six hours each day in the makeup chair to have prosthetics applied. The actor described the experience as a learning curve, particularly regarding facial expressions. “I’d be looking in the mirror with this new face on and if I smiled it didn’t look like a smile – it looked more like a funny grimace.. so I had to re-learn [how to smile],” Wilson said. Beyond the makeup, wearing black gumshields made dialogue and physical acting notably difficult.
Why was filming with Sir Idris Elba a highlight for the cast?
Wilson described Sir Idris Elba as having a “gravitational field” that made an impression on the entire production. During their on-screen fight scenes, Wilson noted that while he spent months rehearsing for perfection, Elba brought a charismatic, high-energy presence to the set that elevated the performance. Wilson admitted to the veteran actor that he felt starstruck, to which Elba reportedly responded with support, telling him, “I got you man. Don’t worry.”
What is next for “Welsh Sam”?
Wilson, who friends call “Welsh Sam,” is transitioning into high-profile productions after years of working in pub theatre. His recent credits include Dodger, House of the Dragon, and Under Salt Marsh. Looking ahead, audiences can expect to see him in the BBC production California Avenue and the science fiction series Bladerunner 2099. Despite his rising profile, Wilson noted that he is still adjusting to the reality of being a recognizable face on screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who plays Trap Jaw in the new Masters of the Universe?
Samuel C. Wilson, a 35-year-old actor from Cardiff, portrays the cyborg henchman Trap Jaw. - Who stars as Man-At-Arms in the film?
Sir Idris Elba plays the role of Man-At-Arms. - How long did the makeup process take for Wilson?
Wilson spent six hours a day having prosthetics applied to transform into his character. - When was the film released in the UK?
The film was released in the UK on Friday, 5 June 2026.
Have you seen the new Masters of the Universe film yet? Let us know what you think of the new take on these classic characters in the comments below, or subscribe to our entertainment newsletter for more behind-the-scenes insights.
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