A stunt performer who was close to walking away from the film industry has revealed how his life changed overnight after landing a role in one of 2026’s biggest blockbuster releases.
James Wilkinson, 35, from Jersey, stars as Mekaneck in the upcoming live-action Masters of the Universe film alongside Idris Elba, Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Mendes. The long-awaited reboot of the iconic franchise is set for release in cinemas worldwide on June 5, 2026.
Just months before being cast, Wilkinson admits he had started questioning whether to continue pursuing the industry at all after a difficult period shaped by the pandemic and writers’ strikes.
Then came a mystery audition at Sky Studios Elstree.
“I got this call from my agent telling me to bring my stunt bag and prepare for something really physical,” Wilkinson said.
“I walked in and immediately realised this was on another level.”
The intense...
