Masters of the Universe (2026) leans into camp, nostalgia, action, and humor, though it may lean a little too hard on the humor. It’s not a perfect musclebound romp through the science-fantasy world of Eternia, but it serves up just enough popcorn entertainment to justify the trip. Longtime fans of the 1980s cartoons, comics, and film may have mixed reactions, so let’s break down what works and what doesn’t, with minimal spoilers.
The story follows a familiar trope: the reluctant hero discovering who he is. Prince Adam grows up in Eternia longing for his father’s approval, only to be torn from his world when Skeletor arrives and the Sword of Power is sent to Earth with him. Having lost the sword in transit, Adam desperately clings to his memories of home. Fifteen years later, Adam is stuck living as an office drone, and that self-doubt gives the film a decent emotional hook before fate finally returns him to Eternia to embrace his destiny as He-Man.
Now, let’s get into what gives this movie the power.
The biggest surprise is Jared Leto’s Skeletor, who steals the movie with just the right blend of menace and theatrical camp. He’s gleefully cruel, fully committed, and easily the most entertaining part of the film. If there’s a reason to see this adaptation, it may be Leto’s performance as the skull-faced villain. There’s no soft misunderstood greyness here.
Nicholas Galitzine makes a solid Prince Adam/He-Man, even if his early timidity occasionally feels more sitcom than sword-and-sorcery. There were moments where his timid Prince Adam channeled Jim from The Office, but when he finally accepts his role as He-Man, he’s pretty heroic. Idris Elba is naturally strong as Duncan/Man-At-Arms, and Camila Mendes brings enough energy to Teela to keep her from blending into the background. Tomboyish, to be sure, but not as insufferable like her Netflix animated counterpart. The effects are colorful and mostly effective, the score leans into 1980s synth-rock energy, and the action scenes generally deliver, even if some of the sets feel smaller up close than they do from a distance.
In terms of nostalgia, the film has so many references and easter eggs to the franchise that it’s head spinning. My favorite had to be the appearance of a certain muscle bound and sage senior citizen. Fans will definitely know it when they see it.
The redesigns of Skeletor’s cadre were a highlight for me, Trap Jaw, Beast Man, and Triclops being the stand outs. Alison Brie’s Evil-Lyn definitely could have used more of a character arc for sure, and a bit more on the goth makeup.
As far as any perceived wokeness goes, I barely found anything worthy of mention. If anything, Adams office work time pokes fun at corporate wokeness.
Now, what made me cringe like Cringer?
Where the movie stumbles is tone. Masters of the Universe works best when it takes its absurd premise seriously, and this version sometimes forgets that. I’m not saying it should be dour, but the 2002 animated show struck that balance quite well. The villains in this movie are easier to enjoy because their goal is simple: conquer Eternia and take power. The heroes, meanwhile, get dragged through too many jokes, and the movie never fully decides whether it wants to be an action-adventure or a comedy. Scenes that should have dramatic impact are degraded when the movie decides it’s time for a gag.
Speaking of gags, I will admit that there were jokes that definitely made me laugh, but there were others that were done repeatedly. I’m looking at you, Fisto. Oh, and if you were thinking about taking young children to this movie, please consider the PG-13 rating. There are moments of suggestive dialogue and innuendo. See the Fisto joke referenced above.
This might just be me nitpicking, but Battlecat barely makes screen time, and Panthor is nowhere to be found, which is unfortunate.
That said, the film has the bones of a good adventure, isn’t flawless, and certainly has its issues, but I found it just entertaining enough to leave the door open for a sequel, especially if those end-credits scenes were pointing where they seem to be. If nothing else, the film gives the franchise a shot at building something stronger next time. Let’s see how that box office holds up first though, eh?
*****
English (US) · 