Masters of the Universe is exactly the kind of big, crowd-pleasing blockbuster that Hollywood has shied away from in recent years. Despite appearing on surface level to be a cookie cutter action flick based on a pre-existing property, the truth could not be any further from the concept. Colorful and unapologetically silly, this meta-actioner from director Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings, Bumblebee) completely commits to its fantasy roots. Most importantly, it understands that the key to adapting a property like He-Man isn’t to make it darker or more grounded; instead, embracing its inherent absurdity could be key to the power. A flawless Nicholas Galitzine in peak physique blasts this fresh take on Masters of the Universe into a new galaxy, and beyond.
The story follows Prince Adam (Galitzine), sent to Earth as a child to protect a powerful sword from the clutches of the evil Skeletor. Fifteen years later, Adam remains stranded on Earth, disconnected from his home world and unsure of his purpose. No one believes him about his roots, or that he really blasted in from another dimension. When circumstances finally put Adam back on the path toward reclaiming his destiny, he is reunited with allies from Eternia, then forced to confront the responsibility he has spent years avoiding.
The main draw for me was undoubtedly Nicholas Galitzine. Having followed his career for several years now, his willingness to take chances on unexpected projects is admirable. Whether starring in romantic comedies (Red White, & Royal Blue), dramas (Mary & George), or sheepish murder mysteries (The Sheep Detectives), Galitzine consistently brings a level of commitment that elevates the material. With Masters of the Universe, he may have found the perfect showcase for his talents. At the heart of the film is Adam, struggling with self-doubt, vulnerability, and the pressures of impossible expectations. It would have been easy for Adam to become a bland chosen-one archetype, but Galitzine’s natural charisma and doe-eyed sincerity make him instantly likable. His performance provides an emotional center, allowing audiences to invest in Adam long before he fully embraces his destiny.
The supporting cast is equally strong. Riverdale‘s Camila Mendes brings confidence and determination to Teela, while Idris Elba’s Duncan provides laughs despite a rugged exterior. Elba, in particular, gets several standout moments that establish him as one of the movie’s most memorable figures. The biggest surprise, though: Jared Leto as Skeletor. Whether it’s the makeup, visual effects, performance, or some combination of all three, Skeletor emerges as a genuinely imposing villain. He remains grotesque, yet bizarrely theatrical, striking the perfect balance between menace and camp. Masters of the Universe wisely allows him to walk a careful tightrope, even making wisecracks about Adam’s thick thighs in the process. Leto’s Oscar-winning characterwork in the past has been quite good, but he has perhaps never been better.
That campy self-awareness carries over into the film at large, being one of its greatest strengths. Rather than treating the material with excessive seriousness, director Travis Knight leans into the silliness of its mythology. The result is a movie that feels playful and surprisingly funny without ever undermining its larger-than-large stakes. Knight continues to prove himself a visually inventive director with promise for blockbuster filmmaking that never feels generic. The action sequences are energetic, brightly lit, and refreshingly easy to follow. In an era where many genre films rely on rapid-fire editing cuts and dimly lit environs, Masters of the Universe lets audiences actually see what’s happening. Every major character gets an opportunity to contribute to the larger whole, and even longtime fans will appreciate how many beloved elements of the franchise are incorporated into the action.
As of now, Masters of the Universe stands as my favorite action film of 2026. When building towards the climactic confrontation between Adam and Skeletor, Masters of the Universe genuinely feels like an event. Adam’s transformation sent chills down my spine once that satisfyingly perfect payoff finally comes to fruition. Fans have waited decades to see a modern big-screen version of this character, and the film understands the importance of delivering on iconic moments. More than anything, Masters of the Universe succeeds because it never seems embarrassed by its origins. It embraces the fantasy and ridiculousness with a playful wink-and-nudge that shows pure understanding for the source material. The cast shares excellent chemistry, the action is exciting, and the script from Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, and Dave Callaham delivers the perfect escapist adventure audiences crave. Fun, visually striking, and erupting with heart, Masters of the Universe should hatch a new franchise—and properly mold Galatzine into a household name.
Masters of the Universe unlocks the power, now playing in theaters worldwide.
