Movie Review: Masters of the Universe (2026)

Masters of the Universe Review

By the power of Greyskull!! 

He-Man has returned and boy, does it feel good. Masters of the Universe is one of many classic franchises that are being given a second life in live action film. We’ve seen Sonic the Hedgehog, Transformers, Super Mario Bros. Movie (technically not live action) among many others. Is Masters of the Universe unique, or is it just riding the wave of these other films? Calling this film another “fan service” event might be true, but is that a bad thing? Are we going to the movies to be entertained or blown away? That is a question only you as the audience can answer. 

Masters of the Universe came from a beloved ‘80s television series as well as the ever popular toy line from Mattel. Fans of the franchise hold these characters near and dear to their hearts and I think the movie has delivered for the fans. 

Travis Knight brings to life the classic franchise with its overall ‘80s feel. Between the soundtrack and the tropey moments throughout the film, you can’t help but smile as you watch. 

Fifteen years after being transported to a new world, Adam must find his legendary sword and return home to Eternia, all the while navigating his own self-doubt and lack of confidence. Nicholas Galitzine gives a great performance as Adam that really resonates with the audience. We open the film with him on a first date, explaining how he is from a different planet and that he’s trying to find his sword. We’ve all been there, am I right? No? Just me?

Masters of the Universe is, from the get-go, a wild ride. Its visuals and action make it a thrill for the moviegoer. Its strength lies in the fact that it’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously and can be visibly enjoyed not just by the audience but by actors themselves.

The true standout of the film is Skeletor. Jared Leto brings to life on the big screen a villain that most fans can’t help but laugh at. Skeletor has been portrayed many times on screen, most notably by Mark Hamill in Masters of the Universe: Revelation. Leto’s Skeletor never loses that comedic trait while still coming off as utterly terrifying. 

Every character in the film pretty much stands out whether it's Alison Brie’s Evil-Lyn with her sharp line deliveries or Kristen Wiig portraying an angry, tired robot. None of the characters feel like they suffer from the Mortal Kombat Annihilation effect of characters just being tossed into the film. This just reinforces the jovial nature of the film, which is definitely a choice by the filmmakers. The movie teeters on almost being a spoof, and that is what gives it its true charm. It’s funny to get a laugh out of the general audience, but not cringy enough to make the jokes fall flat. It was the right call.  

Masters of the Universe is a return to a lost form. It’s a film that is purely entertaining and fun and though sometimes the jokes fall short in the more intense moments.

But who is this movie for? Is it for the fans of the beloved franchise, or is it for the general audience? While the film looks and sounds great, its dialogue does feel outdated and boring at times. That doesn’t take away from the fun so much as it interrupts it. There are moments where lines are delivered a bit overdramatically for my taste, further reinforcing the campiness. I know this film is not an Academy Award-winning film. It's He-Man… My expectation is to go in and enjoy the movie. Laugh and smile. I always say that if I walk out of a movie thinking, “Wow, that movie was great,” then the movie was a success in my eyes. No film is perfect and Masters of the Universe is far from it, but it doesn’t make it bad. It's a film that knows exactly what it is, and everyone involved–from the actors to the director–knows it too, and that's why the movie works. 

Overall, Masters Of the Universe earns an 8/10. While some of the dialogue doesn’t resonate and the film does trip over its own jokes, that doesn’t take away from the ride that Masters of the Universe creates. Its action, soundtrack, and enjoyable characters make the movie shine through its tropes. 

- Evandro Congionti