How Netflix updated the ’80s She-Ra characters for Princesses of Power

Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power reimagines the classic ’80s series for this generation. Though She-Ra holds a place in fans’ hearts (so much so that the initial release of this new design sparked debate), plenty of the characters in Princesses of Power are lesser known names culled from the He-Man mythos.

So who’s who? Will their Princess of Power counterparts influence their Princesses of Power versions? For those who weren’t around for She-Ra’s now-retro run, here are the original characters who inspired Netflix’s new team.

Adora/She-Ra

Image: DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal

Leader of the Rebellion and wielder of the Sword of Protection, Adora, the main character of the series, takes on the mantle of She-Ra. The biggest difference between this Adora and the original is that the ’80s version was directly tied to He-Man: she was his long lost twin sister. We don’t know if He-Man exists in the new version of She-Ra, but instead of being confronted by the hero before she finds the magical sword that will reveal her fate, the new Adora finds her destiny on her own.

The Adoras backstories are pretty similar: raised by the evil Shadow Weaver to know nothing else of the world, both Adora characters are loyal to the Horde and become Force Captains, before their true destinies are revealed to them.

The other big difference? Much like her twin brother, original Adora kept her identity as She-Ra a secret from her friends. New Adora reveals her identity to a crowded hall of princesses in the trailer, so she’s not exactly keeping it hidden.

Glimmer

Both Glimmers have similar powers inherited from their powerful mothers and hail from the realm of Bright Moon. The biggest difference between them seems to be the new Glimmer uses her teleportation powers a lot more than the original. Personality-wise (from the brief character bio from the reboot), both seem to be enthusiastic and eager to help their friends, though new Glimmer seems a bit more headstrong and feisty than the original naive and innocent one.

Bow

As indicated by the oh-so-subtle name, Bow is a master of the bow and arrow. Original Bow was also an illusionist, using his magic tricks to confuse Horde enemies. New Bow seems more focused on his high-tech arrows, which probably have tricks to them. His original counterpart’s “real” name was Kyle, so that’s another thing that could possibly be revealed.

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Catra

The original Catra was purely antagonistic, replacing Adora as Force Captain and becoming her arch-nemesis in both love and war (both were rivals for handsome pirate Sea Hawk). This version of Catra, however, has been best friends with Adora since childhood. After Adora leaves the Horde for the Rebellion and the two find themselves on different sides of the war, Catra feels deeply betrayed. Their complicated relationship is a huge part of this new series, whereas their original relationship was strictly antagonistic.

Also, original Catra was part of a race called the Magicats and Hordak, the evil leader of the Horde, stole the Magicat Queen’s crown so that Catra could shapeshift into a panther-like creature. No word yet on whether new Catra will be able to do this.

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Perfuma

The original Perfuma only appeared in a couple of episodes of She-Ra, but the new one will be a core member of the Princesses of Power. Both have powers over plants and flowers. Original Perfuma was notable for being one of the only good characters who didn’t fear Hordak, despite her otherwise ditzy personality. At one point, he kidnaps her, but eventually is relieved when the Rebellion rescues her, because she filled her prison cell with flowers and started dancing with his troops. It looks like this new Perfuma shares that same “surprisingly strong core.”

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Mermista

Another character who only got a few episodes in the original series, Mermista’s rebooted character has more personality beyond “beautiful mermaid princess.” She’s blunt and aloof and totally not here for any nonsense. In additio n to controlling water and switching back and forth between mermaid and human form, new Mermista also wields a trident.

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Sea Hawk

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Sea Hawk doesn’t have an official bio yet, but we’ve seen glimpses of his fabulous mustache in the trailers. In the original cartoon, Sea Hawk was a fearless pirate and Adora’s primary love interest. Catra often tries to flirt with him, but he’s smitten with Adora. The trailers for the new show, however, feature him mostly with Mermista (probably because of the ocean connection) and Perfuma.

Entrapta

Here’s the first bio that differs wildly — new Entrapta is an ally of the Rebellion, more concerned with technological discoveries than making friends, but still a force for good. Original Entrapta was the Evil Horde’s technician, one of Catra’s closest allies and a formidable foe. Does this spell a potential betrayal from Entraptra in the new version? Or will she strike a new path?

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Scorpia

While Entrapta gets the biggest overall changes to her bio, Scorpia gets the biggest personality change. Original Scorpia — like most older animated villains — was very textbook: cunning and ruthless, with an internal Horde rivarly against Catra. But new Scorpia, while still Horde-aligned, is eager and enthusiastic, a friendly character working for a dark cause.

Original Scorpia also enjoyed a position of power, while new Scorpia seems to be more of a henchperson than a slave-owning despot.

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Netossa

Original Netossa didn’t appear until later episodes of She-Ra and her powers, like Bow’s, were purely a physical ability. New Netossa’s net-tossing, however, is more of the magical kind, as the nets she throws are conjured from pure energy. One thing’s consistent though — both Netossas are very close with Spinnerella.

Spinnerella

Spinnerella only appeared in one episode of the original series, “When Whispering Winds Last Bloomed,” and her defining traits were her whirlwind powers and her close friendship with Netossa, which carry over to the new version of Spinnerella.

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Frosta

The biggest difference with Frosta is that her original version was the same age as Adora and the rest of the princesses, but new Frosta is just 11 years old, the youngest of all the princesses in the alliance. Original Frosta was very flirty with He-Man, but, of course, He-Man doesn’t exist in this version of the series, and also she is 11. The two Frostas share the same powers (if the name and color scheme wasn’t obvious enough, they can control snow and ice).

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Swift Wind

In the original series, Adora’s talking horse can also communicate telepathically with her when in his magical form. Original Swift Wind shifted from fabulous unicorn pegasus to regular steed, though while in normal form he could still talk. We haven’t seen much of new Swift Wind’s regular horse form in the released clips, so we’ll have to see if this power translates over.

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Shadow Weaver

An evil sorceress and second-in-command to Hordak, the original Shadow Weaver kidnapped Adora from her parents and used a spell to brainwash her into believing in the Horde’s thinking. The new Shadow Weaver also raised Catra, but in the original series, it was just Adora. The original Shadow Weaver also plotted to take over the Horde from Hordak, at one point even summoning Hordak’s old pupil Skeletor to help her.

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Hordak

Not much about the Big Bad of She-Ra looks to have changed between the original and rebooted versions: Hordak wants to take over Etheria and he’s brillaint and technologically-minded, unlike his magic-wielding second-in-command. There’s a few little differences. The original Hordak was actually taking orders from Horde Prime, who’s not yet confirmed to be part of this new series. He also had closer ties to He-Man characters (mentoring Skeletor, He-Man’s Big Bad Villain), who, again don’t exist whatsoever in this version.

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She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is streaming on Netflix. If you’re a new fan and curious about the original series, the first season of She-Ra: Princess of Power is also currently available.