---
title: "Masters of the Universe"
year: 2026
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/masters-of-the-universe"
fi1m_id: "masters-of-the-universe"
imdb_id: "tt0427340"
tmdb_id: 454639
wikidata_id: "Q112040381"
fi1m_score: 58
critics_score: 61
critics_reviews: 10
published: "2026-09-09"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:37:43.061023+00:00"
region: "CA"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Masters of the Universe (2026)

Directed by Travis Knight · 2h 21m · CHVRS PG · Action, Fantasy, Science Fiction

## Identity

Masters of the Universe

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/masters-of-the-universe
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** masters-of-the-universe
- **IMDb ID:** tt0427340
- **TMDB ID:** 454639
- **Wikidata ID:** Q112040381
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427340/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/454639, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112040381

**Fi1m score: 58** · Critics 61 from 10 reviews

*In a sentence:* Every time someone raises the sword, someone else makes a joke about it

> Travis Knight’s reboot is bright, cheerfully cast and has a Skeletor worth the ticket in Jared Leto. But the script cannot decide whether it is in on the joke or is the joke, and at 141 minutes the winking wears thin.

## Synopsis

Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) is a prince of Eternia who does not carry himself like one, until a sword and a few spoken words turn him into He-Man, a warrior with a body he has not earned and a costume he has not chosen. Teela (Camila Mendes), a fighter who rescues him from Beast Man early on, and Duncan (Idris Elba), the palace’s steady hand, set about making a hero of him whether he likes it or not. Skeletor (Jared Leto), a skull-faced sorcerer with a long grievance, wants what Adam has been given, and has Evil-Lyn (Alison Brie) beside him to help take it. Also present: Fisto, Ram Man, Trap Jaw, the Sorceress, King Randor, Queen Marlena and a robot voiced by Kristen Wiig.

## Review

Travis Knight, who made *Kubo and the Two Strings* and *Bumblebee*, has been handed a toy line from the 1980s and asked to make it work for people who were not born then. *Masters of the Universe* is bright, brisk in patches and cast with care, and it has a villain worth the evening. It also cannot get through a scene without reminding us how silly all of this is, and after 141 minutes of that we stopped finding the reminder funny.

Nicholas Galitzine plays Adam, a prince who would rather not be one, and his gift here is bewilderment. He looks at the sword, the harness and the furry shorts the way the rest of us do, and for a while that is a good joke. Camila Mendes’s Teela does most of the competent work and pulls him out of trouble he has wandered into. Idris Elba’s Duncan is the steadying adult, played as if he has been in this film several times before and knows where the exits are. When the sword goes up and the light comes, Galitzine straightens, drops his voice, and the film has a proper hero for about a minute before someone in the scene points out how he looks.

Fabian Wagner shoots Eternia in the flat, saturated primary colours of the cartoon, and after a decade of blockbusters lit like a wet car park that alone is a relief. Guy Hendrix Dyas builds the sets as if the toys had been scaled up rather than rethought, with the same fat curves and painted panels, and Richard Sale keeps the costumes close to the packaging. It looks like the thing it is adapting, which is the right decision, and one the film then apologises for at every opportunity.

Jared Leto’s Skeletor is the reason to go. He plays him as a vain, aggrieved man in a skull, someone who has been slighted once and has decided the entire planet should hear about it, and he never once winks at us. Alison Brie’s Evil-Lyn watches him with the patience of a woman who has already worked out how this ends and is staying for the view. Their scenes have a snap the hero’s scenes never find, because the villains are allowed to mean it. We grinned every time the film cut back to them, and we noticed we had started waiting for it to.

The script is credited to four writers, Adam Nee, Aaron Nee, Chris Butler and David Callaham, with a story shared between the Nees, Alex Litvak and Michael Finch, and it reads like it. Half the lines are gags about how daft the property is; the other half want us moved by a boy finding his purpose; and they are frequently in the same scene. Each time a moment between Adam and James Purefoy and Charlotte Riley’s king and queen threatens to land, a quip arrives to make sure it does not. We laughed at the first joke about the outfit. By the sixth we wanted the film to stop asking whether we were laughing and get on with it, and somewhere past the halfway mark we were bored, then cross about being bored by something built with this much care.

Paul Rubell cuts the fights cleanly enough that we always knew who was hitting whom, which is more than many films of this size manage. But the picture is 141 minutes long and does not have 141 minutes of story, and the middle stretch settles into chase, quip, chase. Daniel Pemberton’s score is loud, brassy and entirely unembarrassed, the one department that decided to play the material straight, and when it swells under the transformation you can hear the film this might have been.

The comparison the film keeps inviting is [*Barbie*](https://film.one/film/barbie), and it is the wrong one; *Barbie* was about its toy, and this is merely made of it. Knight’s own *Bumblebee* is the better precedent, an old property played warm and small and sincere, and it did not need to keep telling us it knew what it was. This is a good deal better than the 1987 version. That is not a high bar.

Take a child who has never heard of He-Man; they will enjoy the colours and will not notice the apologies. If you were that child the first time round, be ready to be told, roughly every ten minutes, how you ought to be feeling about it. It carries a 12A.

*Fi1m score 58, published 9 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews split widely, and the split is about tone. Most critics agree on what the film is: a bright, self-aware reboot that keeps winking at how silly He-Man is, with Nicholas Galitzine playing him as a sweet, slightly bewildered dork rather than a strongman. The praise clusters there, on Galitzine’s performance, on Travis Knight’s colourful production and staging, and on the villains, with Skeletor named more than once as the best thing in it.

The reservations cluster on the joking. A large minority find the constant apologising for its own corniness exhausting, and several say the script cannot decide whether it is parody or earnest adventure. The 141-minute runtime is a recurring complaint. Polygon is the outlier at the top, calling it close to a perfect fantasy adventure; The Wrap and The Telegraph sit at the bottom, treating it as an embarrassed misfire. The British broadsheets are noticeably harsher than the American trades.

## Straight answers

**Is Masters of the Universe worth watching?**

*Masters of the Universe* is a mixed bag we scored 58: bright, carefully cast and carrying a Skeletor from Jared Leto who is worth the evening on his own. The script keeps joking about how silly the property is, and across 141 minutes the winking wore us down. Children new to He-Man will enjoy the colours; grown-ups who loved the toys should expect to be nudged in the ribs every ten minutes.

**How long is Masters of the Universe, and what is it rated?**

*Masters of the Universe* runs 2h 21m and is rated PG by the CHVRS in Canada. It is an action and fantasy film.

**Where can I watch Masters of the Universe in Canada?**

*Masters of the Universe* is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Canada. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**What should I watch after Masters of the Universe?**

After *Masters of the Universe*, try [*Flash Gordon*](https://film.one/film/flash-gordon) (1980, Fi1m 70): The camp done with total conviction and a Queen soundtrack; nobody apologises for anything. Then [*Bumblebee*](https://film.one/film/bumblebee) (2018, Fi1m 78): Knight’s earlier toy film, warm and small, which trusts its material without winking; and [*Kubo and the Two Strings*](https://film.one/film/kubo-and-the-two-strings) (2016, Fi1m 83): Knight’s stop-motion fantasy; sincere, beautiful and never once embarrassed by itself.

### Reviews we read (20)

- **Time Out**, Larushka Ivan-Zadeh (4/5): The critic praises this colorful, nostalgic reboot as a fun, irreverent fantasy adventure that captures the cartoon's joyful spirit and offers a timely antidote to toxic masculinity. Travis Knight's direction is singled out for bringing bright energy and heart to the material. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/masters-of-the-universe-review-2026)
- **The AV Club**, Jesse Hassenger (C+): The critic calls it a fitfully amusing redo that clears a low bar set by the 1987 version but remains too cute and inconsistent. Skeletor stands out as the weird highlight amid the self-conscious jokes and toy-loving sincerity. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/masters-of-the-universe)
- **Radio Times**, Alan Jones (3/5): The review finds the film starts with promise in its day-glo fantasy setup and cast performances but ultimately lacks the spark to elevate it beyond standard blockbuster fare. Tonal inconsistencies and an overlong, uneven script are highlighted as drawbacks. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/masters-of-the-universe-review/)
- **IndieWire**, David Ehrlich (50/100, inferred): The review portrays the film as a derivative fantasy epic that gives He-Man the Barbie treatment, emphasizing big muscles over heart while still celebrating them. It highlights the lead's performance as a swole himbo in a story that struggles to balance sincerity and satire. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/masters-of-the-universe-movie-review-2026-he-man-1235197748/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Frank Scheck (35/100, inferred): The critic finds the film exhaustingly jokey and forced in its self-referential humor, making it mainly appealing to hardcore fans rather than a broad audience. The relentless camp and lame gags undermine any genuine engagement with the material. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/masters-of-the-universe-review-nicholas-galitzine-he-man-1236610786/)
- **Empire**, Helen O’Hara: Travis Knight takes a winking approach to the self-aware source material and leans into its ridiculousness in a way that largely works. The result is a colourful, fun chase movie that appeals to kids and nostalgic adults alike, though it could use sharper scripting and more narrative drive. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/masters-of-the-universe-2026/)
- **Evening Standard**, Hannah Pettit: Nicholas Galitzine embodies a modern, sensitive version of He-Man in this light-hearted, self-aware reboot that updates the character with a toxic-masculinity-averse approach. Action sequences thrill but feel generic, humour sometimes undercuts emotional beats, and the film struggles to stand out among other reboots despite its charisma and spectacle. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/masters-of-the-universe-review-nicholas-galitzine-he-man-b1284794.html)
- **Financial Times**, Raphael Abraham: The critic finds the film embarrassed by its own premise of muscles and male heroism, constantly apologising for its existence through innuendo and self-satire. It singles out the thin sticking plasters of humour that eventually wear thin. [Read](https://www.ft.com/content/aa859dab-1958-4de6-9368-4ade071b4550)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Amy Nicholson: The critic praises Knight and Galitzine for modernizing the macho character into a sensitive, self-aware comedy about masculinity, with Galitzine embracing the dorky human side. The flat script and obvious humor are noted as drawbacks amid the fan service and effects. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2026-06-03/masters-of-universe-review-nicholas-galitzine-camila-mendes-jared-leto-idris-elba)
- **Screen Daily**: The critic notes the film's playful, self-deprecating approach to its source material and Knight's attempt to add humanity to franchise fare, but concludes it fails to sustain its charm over the extended runtime. The mix of irreverence and conventional action is seen as hit-or-miss. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/masters-of-the-universe-review-nicholas-galitzine-wields-the-sword-of-power-in-irreverent-conventional-actioner/5217328.article)
- **The Guardian**: The critic calls the film a weak big-budget misfire and a $200m waste of time on outdated toy IP. The main complaint is the script's crippling indecision between winking parody and earnest adventure, resulting in an awkward, unfulfilling experience. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jun/02/masters-of-the-universe-amazon-he-man-movie-review)
- **The New York Times**, Glenn Kenny: The critic sees the film as a self-aware corporate blockbuster that acknowledges the goofiness of He-Man and benefits from a sincere yet skewed approach. Galitzine delivers in the action sequences after a loose, amusing performance as the mild-mannered hero. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/04/movies/masters-of-the-universe-review.html)
- **The Telegraph**: The critic describes the reboot as a brain-vaporising misfire that constantly tells viewers how right they are not to enjoy it. It singles out the constant self-aware jokes about its own corniness and datedness as the central flaw. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/masters-of-the-universe-he-man-review/)
- **The Times**: The critic examines the attempt to update the He-Man property for modern audiences with added gay innuendo, questioning whether it can succeed like Barbie. The tone mixes irreverence with the challenges of retooling the 1980s toy franchise. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/masters-of-the-universe-review-he-man-is-back-with-added-gay-innuendo-p6qg8ldl9)
- **Variety**, Guy Lodge: The critic finds the film a jokey but bloated nostalgia trip that lampshades its own uncoolness without fully committing, feeling past its time at 141 minutes. Galitzine provides spark as the bewildered hero, but the script's mix of earnestness and irony falters in the extended action. [Read](https://variety.com/2026/film/news/masters-of-the-universe-review-1236764691/)
- **Polygon**, Jake Kleinman (90/100, inferred): The critic hails the film as a nearly perfect sci-fi fantasy epic that looks stunning and rejects the dark, grounded style of modern blockbusters. They single out the vibrant, colorful visuals and sincere maximalist spectacle for praise. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/masters-of-the-universe-review-he-man-skeletor/)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film works on its own terms with a younger attitude, genuine humor, and an appealing performance from Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man. They single out the light and moving tone and script, along with strong production values and battles staged by director Travis Knight. [Read](https://deadline.com/2026/06/masters-of-the-universe-review-nicholas-galitzine-mattel-1236938461/)
- **Consequence** (B): The critic praises the film's decision to embrace a silly, campy, and self-aware tone rather than taking the material too seriously. They single out the goofy approach to the iconic costume and characters as a highlight that makes the adventure fun. [Read](https://consequence.net/2026/06/masters-of-the-universe-review-he-man/)
- **Den of Geek**, David Crow (3/5): The film attempts to blend a nostalgic 1980s kids' adventure with self-aware postmodern comedy but struggles with tonal dissonance, resulting in a confused mix that undercuts its emotional beats. It succeeds more with the villains, particularly Jared Leto's Skeletor and Alison Brie's Evil-Lyn, than with its hero's journey or attempts at deeper themes. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/masters-of-the-universe-review-cute-kids-movie-barbie/)
- **The Wrap** (20/100, inferred): The critic calls it a confused and embarrassed sci-fi fantasy flop that is sloppy and could kill 1980s nostalgia. They complain about the inconsistent message on violence, cheap-looking effects despite expense, and smug self-awareness that embarrasses the source material. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/masters-of-the-universe-2026-review-nicholas-galitzine-he-man/)

## Details

- **Director:** Travis Knight
- **Director:** Travis Knight
- **Screenplay:** Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, David Callaham
- **Story:** Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, Alex Litvak, Michael Finch
- **Cinematography:** Fabian Wagner
- **Editor:** Paul Rubell
- **Music:** Daniel Pemberton
- **Production design:** Guy Hendrix Dyas
- **Costume design:** Richard Sale
- **Producer:** Robbie Brenner, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal
- **Cast:** Nicholas Galitzine as Adam / He-Man; Camila Mendes as Teela; Idris Elba as Duncan; Jared Leto as Skeletor; Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn; Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Fisto; Jon Xue Zhang as Ram Man; Sam C. Wilson as Trap Jaw
- **Runtime:** 2h 21m
- **Certificate (CHVRS):** PG
- **Release (Canada):** 5 June 2026
- **Genres:** Action, Fantasy, Science Fiction
- **Budget:** $200 million
- **Box office:** $114 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJSmz-zhDxE

## Where to watch in Canada

- Amazon Prime Video: streaming, uhd

*Checked 2026-09-10.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, TH, TR, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Flash Gordon* (1980), Fi1m 70: The camp done with total conviction and a Queen soundtrack; nobody apologises for anything. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/flash-gordon.md)
- *Bumblebee* (2018), Fi1m 78: Knight’s earlier toy film, warm and small, which trusts its material without winking. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/bumblebee.md)
- *Kubo and the Two Strings* (2016), Fi1m 83: Knight’s stop-motion fantasy; sincere, beautiful and never once embarrassed by itself. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/kubo-and-the-two-strings.md)
- *Thor: Ragnarok* (2017), Fi1m 74: Colour, jokes and a villain having fun, with the balance this film is missing. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/thor-ragnarok.md)
- *Barbie* (2023), Fi1m 76: The toy adaptation this one is measured against, and the one with something to say. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/barbie.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/masters-of-the-universe