At The Movies: Masters Of The Universe

Growing up in the ’80s, there were few toys more popular in a child’s toy box than Masters of the Universe figurines and Transformers. Fast forward to 2026, and while the latter has gone through a relentless reboot-and-rebrand cycle every decade—gaining masses of new followers through major blockbuster films along the way—Masters of the Universe has been somewhat cast to cultural obscurity. It became a relic of the past, bound only to feature in the memories of super fans, the vlogs of comic nerds, and the subject of obscure reaction GIFs…Until now.

Director Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings, Bumblebee) has stepped up to deliver a 2026 live-action feature that arrives at an interesting crossroads for retro reboots and superhero cinema. While these types of movies remain mostly highly profitable, far gone are the days of guaranteed blockbuster billions generated by plotless, CGI-heavy slop-fests with a recognisable hero’s name slapped on the cover. Thankfully, Masters of the Universe avoids this cliché, paying due respect to its past fans, whilst possessing the literal power to convert a few new ones.

The story kicks off on Earth, where a young, bumbling Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) is living in exile working in Human Resources. Originally the son of Eternian royals King Randor and Queen Marlina, Adam was thrust into a portal and sent to his mother’s home planet with the Sword of Power after the capital city of Eternos fell to the evil Skeletor. The sword holds the ultimate power of Castle Grayskull, capable of handing god-like abilities to whoever wields it.

After a fifteen-year stint on Earth, Adam and the Sword of Power finally return to his home planet of Eternia with the aid of his childhood friend, Teela (Camila Mendes). However, they return only to find his home decimated and under the tyrannical rule of Skeletor, who covets the Sword of Power to become the most powerful being in the universe.

Over the next two hours, a classic battle between good and evil ensues. Adam is intent on convincing the people of Eternia—and himself—that he is the one destined to lead them and restore the planet to its peaceful glory days. And when he finally releases the ultimate force the Sword of Power grants him, oh baby, do things really get going.

With just the right level of heart, humor, and heroism, Masters of the Universe is a fun-laden journey. Galitzine is a fitting choice for Adam, seemingly cut straight from the Hemsworth mold. While Mendes is formidable as Teela, it’s the supporting cast that really beefs up the film’s credentials, featuring the likes of Alison Brie (Community), Idris Elba (The Wire), and a wonderfully menacing and voice-warped Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club) as Skeletor.

Fans of the original ’80s cartoon will likely revel in the nostalgia. The film treats viewers to a plethora of classic characters that spark memories of yesteryear’s cartoons—look out for goodies like Man-At-Arms, Ram Man, and Mekanek, alongside iconic baddies like Evil-Lyn, Trap Jaw, and Beast Man.

Most importantly, the film doesn’t take itself too seriously. It leans into a healthy dose of innuendo and meta-jokes, befitting of an audience which is all grown-up, and tips the cap to a cartoon series that was (let’s be honest) always a little bit camp at the best of times.

Backed by a grandiose 80’s rock inspired soundtrack featuring the likes of Queen, the Darkness and the Killers, Masters of the Universe is tailor made for an established audience. While undoubtedly labelled “woke” by some for dropping the ‘He-Man’ moniker, Masters of the Universe delivers as a worthy action-packed cinema experience, and may just be the perfect vessel to make you feel like you were seven years old again.

Movie Review By Matt Eygenraam

Masters Of The Universe is in cinemas June 4