Masters of the Universe (2026) Review

Masters of the Universe
Nostalgia with a confusing story

Director: Travis Knight
Writers: Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, Dave Callaham
Cast: Nicholas Galitzine, Jared Leto, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, Alison Brie, Morena Baccarin
Production Companies: Mattel Films, Escape Artists
Studio: Amazon MGM Studios
Runtime: 143 minutes
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction

⭐ ⭐ ⭐☆☆ (3/5)

For longtime fans of He-Man, Masters of the Universe delivers plenty of nostalgia, references, and callbacks to the classic Filmation cartoon. Director Travis Knight clearly understands the source material and fills the film with affectionate nods to the franchise’s 1980s roots.

The problem is that the movie often feels like it was made primarily for Generation X viewers who already know Eternia, Castle Grayskull, Skeletor, and the mythology surrounding Prince Adam. Much of the humor relies on adult jokes, retro references, and fan-service moments that longtime fans will appreciate but younger audiences may find confusing.

The story itself is where the film stumbles. Rather than telling a focused hero’s journey, the narrative jumps between fantasy epic, science-fiction adventure, comedy, and nostalgia-fueled tribute. The result is a movie that feels scattered and uneven. Several supporting characters appear without enough development, while the plot frequently moves from one set piece to another without establishing clear emotional stakes. Even critics noted the film’s tonal inconsistency and overcrowded storytelling.

Nicholas Galitzine brings sincerity and physical presence to Prince Adam/He-Man, and Idris Elba adds gravitas whenever he’s on screen. Jared Leto’s Skeletor is entertainingly theatrical, though his performance sometimes feels as if it’s coming from a different movie altogether. The visual design of Eternia is impressive, and the film succeeds in making the world feel larger than life.

For modern audiences unfamiliar with the franchise, however, the experience may be frustrating. Many viewers are likely to spend large portions of the film wondering exactly who these characters are and why certain moments are treated as major revelations. The movie assumes a level of familiarity that many younger moviegoers simply do not have.

Final Verdict

Masters of the Universe (2026) is an entertaining but uneven return to Eternia. Fans of the original cartoon will find plenty to enjoy, but newcomers may struggle with the film’s chaotic storytelling and heavy reliance on nostalgia.

Rating: 3/5

What Works

Strong visual recreation of Eternia

Nicholas Galitzine is a convincing He-Man

Plenty of nostalgic callbacks for longtime fans

Ambitious world-building

What Doesn’t

Overstuffed and unfocused story

Tonal shifts between comedy and fantasy drama

Heavy reliance on knowledge of the original cartoon

Younger audiences may feel disconnected from the material

Bottom Line: A love letter to classic He-Man fans that often forgets to invite a new generation along for the adventure.