Masters of the Universe (2026) keeps things simple with a straightforward good-vs-evil story centred on Adam reclaiming his homeland from Skeletor. Before he can do that, though, he must band together a group of misfits and become what he was always meant to be. Sound familiar?
Director Travis Knight, previously behind Bumblebee and Kubo and the Two Strings, clearly has a deep passion for the franchise, but at times that passion works against the film. His commitment to recreating the look and feel of the original cartoon often comes at the expense of storytelling and character development. There’s also an awkward attempt to modernise the tone and humour. It’s clearly aiming for audiences used to contemporary superhero films, but the blend never quite lands.
The film struggles with who it’s for. In its attempts to appeal to adults, longtime fans, and younger audiences all at once, it fails to fully commit to any of them. The humour is mostly aimed at kids, which fits the bright, playful tone, but the occasional attempts at more adult jokes come off as awkward rather than funny. Nearly every emotional beat is followed by a gag, taking away from any real sense of sincerity.
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The plot never tries to reinvent the franchise or add much narrative depth, instead leaning into the same cheesy fantasy adventure structure that made the cartoon so popular. At times, it feels like an extended live-action episode. While longtime fans will appreciate the nostalgia, the movie often feels more interested in celebrating Masters of the Universe than actually standing as a strong fantasy adventure in its own right.
Masters of the Universe fares much better on the visual front. The vibrant colours, flashy effects, and over-the-top world design make Eternia a joy to look at. The character designs are a standout, with heroes and villains alike looking as if they’ve stepped straight out of the franchise’s most iconic artwork. Fans of the classic action figure line will likely get an extra kick out of seeing these larger-than-life characters finally brought to the big screen, unleashing the powers and action many once only imagined while playing with the toys.
The cast does what it can with the material. Nicholas Galitzine makes for a likeable, charismatic Adam, although I did find myself wondering whether the filmmakers should have pushed He-Man’s physique further in a more practical way. A more exaggerated, physically imposing take on He-Man may have helped sell that side of the character, especially when Skeletor looks as though he has been lifted directly from the cartoon.
Camila Mendes brings plenty of energy to Teela, while Idris Elba adds a welcome sense of authority and presence as Man-at-Arms. More than just a mentor figure guiding Adam towards his destiny, Elba is also given his own arc to work through, which helps the character feel like more than just a source of wisdom and exposition.
Jared Leto, somewhere under all the CGI work, seems like he’s having a blast as Skeletor, and he’s entertaining throughout. Still, he’s rarely intimidating. The film leans heavily into his eccentric side, often turning him into a meme-like figure rather than a genuine threat. It’s fun, but it does take away from any real sense of danger, while still sticking closely to the cartoon plotlines.
The supporting cast gets limited room to develop, though they’re used as well as the story allows. Each character gets a chance to contribute through the action, humour, or team dynamic, making them enjoyable additions even if a few deserved more screen time.
The action is another highlight. The fights are energetic, impactful, and packed with spectacle, helping keep the film engaging even when the story itself is fairly straightforward. The slickly cinematic combat makes you feel a bit silly for ever thinking smashing toys together as a kid came anywhere close to this level of visual spectacle and impact.
Masters of the Universe delivers exactly what fans of the cartoon would expect. It’s loud, colourful, cheesy, and visually faithful to the source material. For some, the action and the nostalgia factor will be enough. For others, the thin story, uneven humour, and uncertainty over who it’s really for will make it feel like a missed opportunity. Either way, it’s clear Travis Knight has made a film that genuinely loves the world of Eternia.
