Camila Mendes Unveils Bold Red Hair for Upcoming Role as Warrior Goddess in Masters of the Universe
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Camila Mendes, best known for her role as Veronica Lodge on Riverdale, recently debuted a striking new look—a vibrant red hair transformation that has fans buzzing. The 30-year-old actress took to Instagram on Sunday, November 10, sharing a selfie from an airport restroom that revealed her fresh, fiery red hair, a departure from her natural brunette locks. Mendes thanked her hairstylist, celebrity colorist Matt Rez, for the daring makeover, describing it as a “fresh” and exciting change.
In the playful caption accompanying her Instagram post, Mendes wrote, “Just a newly minted redhead with a flight delay and an empty bathroom all to herself @colorbymattrez.” Her bold choice of color has drawn enthusiastic reactions from her followers, who have admired her ability to pull off such a vibrant look.
This new look isn’t just a style choice; it also marks her preparation for an upcoming role as Teela in the live-action remake of the 1987 film Masters of the Universe. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mendes will be portraying Teela, the warrior goddess who serves as “the captain of the royal guard and the adopted daughter of Man-at-Arms, the royal family’s inventor of weapons.”
This iconic role, a strong departure from her portrayal of the sharp and stylish Veronica Lodge, will give Mendes an opportunity to showcase her range in a high-action, fantasy setting. As Masters of the Universe gears up for production, fans are already excited to see Mendes in the role of Teela, a character who is central to the story’s battle against evil forces.
Although an exact filming start date has yet to be confirmed, Mendes’ hair transformation hints that preparation for the role is well underway. The film is scheduled to be released on June 5, 2026, under the Sony and Mattel Films banner, promising to bring an iconic 80s fantasy back to life for a new generation of viewers.
Mendes’ casting as Teela has been widely discussed, with fans intrigued by her transition from a high school drama series to a mythical world of warriors, sorcery, and adventure. The actress’s new look aligns perfectly with Teela’s character—a fierce and courageous protector who stands at the forefront of the royal guard.
Her vibrant red hair will likely contribute to the character’s visual intensity, helping Mendes fully embody Teela’s strength and resilience on screen. Camila Mendes’ decision to embrace such a drastic color change reflects her commitment to bringing Teela to life authentically, suggesting she is more than ready to embrace the physicality and fierceness of the character. Mendes’ fans, and fans of Masters of the Universe, eagerly await this new portrayal, with many predicting that her role will become a defining moment in her career.
The red hair is just the first step in what promises to be an epic transformation, setting the stage for Mendes to make a memorable impact as Teela when Masters of the Universe hits theaters. With her bold new look and exciting role on the horizon, Mendes continues to captivate audiences both on and off the screen, showing her versatility as she steps into the world of fantasy and adventure.
