Masters of the Universe: Is Mattel Turning He-Man Into Another Barbie-Style Parody?

Mattel Studios is preparing to release its big-budget adaptation of Masters of the Universe, following the huge commercial success of Barbie. Many industry observers now worry that Mattel might use the same formula for its He-Man project—subverting familiar characters and turning the story into an ironic, self-aware comedy. This has some fans questioning whether the movie will deliver the kind of adventure that made the original franchise popular, or if it will be just another example of Hollywood playing classic properties for laughs.

The film is directed by Travis Knight and stars Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, alongside Camila Mendes as Teela and Jared Leto as Skeletor. Mattel Studios President Robbie Brenner has described the project as “absolutely massive,” saying the company took over multiple sound stages for filming and built elaborate sets. Brenner called the upcoming release a “perfect complement to Barbie” and claimed people will be “so excited” because the film is “so much fun and feels so different.” Her comments have led some to worry that the movie will follow the same path as Barbie by emphasizing tongue-in-cheek humor and clever commentary instead of delivering a straightforward action story.

Questions remain about the movie’s overall tone. Recent reports indicate that the studio is adapting away from the campy style and instead embracing a more grounded and dramatic approach, though not everyone is convinced. In past discussions, script details hinted at a modern “fish out of water” scenario—a reversal of the classic origin story. Some viewers fear that this trope could undermine the film’s appeal to core fans who want an earnest fantasy epic, not another attempt at cultural parody. The plot risks alienating long-time audiences if it treats the entire He-Man mythos as material for subversion.

Recent film trends suggest that nostalgia-driven reboots often use irony as a selling point. Barbie was praised for its subversive style, turning expectations upside down and poking fun at its own legacy. However, this approach may not have the same effect for Masters of the Universe, a franchise built on straightforward heroism and adventure. Some fans have already raised concerns on social media about the possibility that Jared Leto’s Skeletor will lack the iconic menace of Frank Langella’s performance, and there are doubts about the decision to overhaul character traditions.

The stakes are high for Mattel. Masters of the Universe opens in June 2026 and will compete against blockbuster titles like The Mandalorian & Grogu and Toy Story 5. If the film follows the Barbie formula too closely, it may alienate audiences who are looking for a genuine fantasy adventure. On the other hand, a more serious and mature narrative could help the movie stand out as a modern epic. Until the film is released, questions will persist about whether Mattel is committed to honoring classic characters or simply using them to chase another hit.

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