JuicyTalk
2026’s Masters of the Universe has passed its first judgment test, as initial reactions to the film are overwhelmingly positive.
In 1981, Mattel launched Prince Adam, a.k.a. He-Man, as the strongest man in the universe and protector of his home planet, Eternia, from the villainous Skeletor. He-Man’s story came to life in the popular 1980s cartoon series, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. The franchise expanded into live-action movies with a cult-classic adaptation led by Dolph Lundgren in 1987.
Following numerous iterations, MGM Amazon Studios is bringing Masters of the Universe back to the big screen with a modern entry into the long-running franchise. Directed by Travis Knight, the 2026 movie follows Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) as he returns to Eternia after 15 years on Earth, and finds his home planet destroyed under Skeletor’s (Jared Leto) merciless rule. Adam unites with allies and embraces his inner power to defeat Skeletor and save Eternia.
Masters of the Universe premiered on May 18 at the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles. Critics’ reviews are embargoed until early June, ahead of the film’s June 5 release (via The Hollywood Reporter). However, premiere attendees shared their general first impressions via social media.
These reactions do not constitute reviews and are not a critical evaluation of the film’s construction. Rather, they are light first impressions from eager viewers. Still, first reactions to Masters of the Universe were overwhelmingly positive, praising it’s spectacle, the director’s He-Man expertise, and the actors’ performances.
Masters of The Universe Creators Demonstrate Reverence for the Source Material
Director Travis Knight has expressed his childhood obsession with the He-Man action figures and cartoons. Per early reactions to his upcoming movie, Knight brings the franchise to life through the eyes of an adoring fan, allowing it to come across as a love letter to Masters of the Universe, drenched in nostalgia and filled with well-placed Easter eggs.
As indicated by the early reactions, He-Man references are thoughtfully incorporated throughout the narrative, demonstrating the filmmaker’s extensive knowledge of the franchise’s lore. References range from subtle Easter eggs to major homages. The most momentous nod to franchise history occurs when the original live-action He-Man, Dolph Lundgren, appears to provide Galitzine’s character with some needed advice.
Outside direct references, the filmmakers clearly understand the He-Man brand. The 2026 movie embodies the energy of Masters of the Universe and delivers a celebration of the franchise.
Masters of The Universe Feels Like a Live-Action Cartoon, In The Best Way
Early viewers have described Master of the Universe as a Saturday morning cartoon come to life. This comparison is no surprise, as director Knight grew up watching the animated series and has a background in animated features, producing ParaNorman in 2012 and directing Kubo and the Two Strings in 2016.
Knight brought the energy of his beloved childhood show to the big screen and did not hold back. Modern special effects allow the fantastical elements of the animated show to shine in a live-action feature. The actors’ elevated performances also harken to their cartoonish counterparts, particularly Leto’s portrayal of the sassy supervillain. Still, the actors perform with enough earnestness, and the narrative includes enough heart to ground the movie’s cartoonish antics.
Masters of The Universe Tells A Touching Tale of Self-Acceptance
Early viewers largely agree that Masters of the Universe is a high-sensory, action-packed good time. However, the story is underpinned by a deeper message of self-acceptance and a critical evaluation of masculinity, which avoids turning preachy.
Masters of the Universe centers on Prince Adam’s arc as he connects with his true self, distinct from preconceived expectations or personas. In tandem with this exploitation of self, the movie considers expressions of manhood free from ingrained machismo and toxicity. Some early reactions suggest that it is in this exploration of masculinity and self-acceptance that it truly finds its footing.
Speaking with SlashFilm, director Knight explained Eternia, in his view, adheres to archaic definitions of masculinity that value stoic discipline. Prince Adam represents a more evolved masculinity that values empathy and communication. Galitzine imbues his He-Man with a soft sweetness that enhances his awesome power.
On the other hand, director Knight has described Skeletor as “the embodiment of toxic masculinity.” It is in Prince Adam’s understanding of self and of the various expressions of power—outside of violence and vibrato—that he has an edge over his toxic adversary, Skeletor.
Nicholas Galitzine and Jared Leto Bring Humor and Grit To Masters of The Universe
While the ensemble cast unites to deliver the Masters of the Universe movie to success, the film’s protagonist and antagonist have received particular praise in early reactions.
Galitzine plays Prince Adam with a gentle sweetness that endears audiences and helps sell the film’s overall message. His portrayal speaks to the moral core of the He-Man/Prince Adam character, while bringing out a uniquely gentle side to the powerful hero. He also brings expertly timed comedy to the role, which he has honed through previous comedic performances.
Despite Galitzine’s dynamism, some reactions suggest that no actor can compare to Leto’s perfectly delivered Skeletor performance. According to Deadline, Leto approached the filmmakers with his own idea for the character. As a long-time Skeletor fan, Leto wanted to go all out, and he did. He brings sass and male vibrato to the role, creating both humor and horror as the diva-esque villain.
Leto’s Skeletor has been identified as a high point of the film. However, the true magic comes when Galitzine and Leto share the screen. Their sparring, both verbal and physical, sparks a highly entertaining dynamic.
Masters of The Universe is Endlessly Entertaining
In early reactions, “fun” was the most commonly used adjective to describe Masters of the Universe. While there are divergent reactions to specific narrative beats, early viewers are nearly unanimous on its entertainment value.
The spectacle is teeming with comedy, high-action sequences, and astounding graphics to dazzle audiences throughout its runtime. This upbeat blockbuster goes all in on 1980s action-movie energy, including a head-banging ’80’s soundtrack. The creators include an appropriate level of earnestness to balance the movie’s fantasia. Film critic Scott Menzel has suggested that the fun family movie may be the “biggest surprise of the summer.”
Following its June 5 release, reviews may reign in these rave reactions with critical evaluations of the film’s craft. However, early impressions provide hope that Masters of the Universe is a thrilling ride that delivers just what franchise fans are looking for.
