Masters of the Universe: Live-Action Film Set for June Release
The live-action adaptation of the Mattel franchise Masters of the Universe, directed by Travis Knight, is scheduled for release in theaters on Friday. The film had its Los Angeles premiere last month.
Plot Summary
The story follows Prince Adam of Eternia, who flees his home planet after Skeletor attacks his parents' kingdom. He crashes on Earth as a child and is separated from his Sword of Power. Fifteen years later, Adam returns to Eternia to reclaim the sword and confront Skeletor.
Cast
The principal cast includes:
- Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam / He-Man / Adam Glenn
- Jared Leto as Skeletor
- Idris Elba as Duncan / Man-at-Arms
- Camila Mendes as Teela
- Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn
- Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress
- Kristen Wiig as Roboto
- James Purefoy as King Randor
- Charlotte Riley as Queen Marlena
- Sam C. Wilson as Trap Jaw
- Sasheer Zamata as Suzie
Additional cast members include Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Hafthor Bjornsson, Kojo Attah, John Xue Zhang, and Christian Vunipola.
"Dolph Lundgren, who played He-Man in the 1987 film, praised Galitzine's physical transformation and his ability to access the character's boyish side."
Production and Development
The film is produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Mattel Films, and Escape Artists, with distribution by Amazon MGM. Producers include Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Steve Tisch of Escape Artists, who have been developing the project since 2010. The screenplay was written by Chris Butler.
After development across various studios, directors, and casts, the project was secured by Amazon MGM in 2023. Travis Knight and Chris Butler were announced as director and screenwriter in February 2024. Principal photography commenced in London in January 2025.
Critical Reception
As of the publication of critical reviews, the film holds a 74% score on Rotten Tomatoes from one source and a 78% score based on 36 reviews from another source.
Selected critic responses include:
- Frank Scheck (The Hollywood Reporter) described the film as forced and comparable to a fringe festival parody.
- Clint Gage (IGN) found the film funnier than expected, praised the fight choreography, and highlighted Jared Leto's performance.
- Jeremy Jahns (YouTube) described Jared Leto's Skeletor as a standout and noted the film felt like multiple ideas compressed into one.
- Ryan Britt (Inverse) said the film incorporates childhood hopes and fears into adult life, suggesting it may appeal to those unfamiliar with the original material.
- Benjamin Lee (The Guardian) criticized the film as a misfire, citing Nicholas Galitzine's performance and the script's conflicting tones.
"Jeremy Jahns described Jared Leto's Skeletor as 'a standout' in a film that 'felt like multiple ideas compressed into one.'"
Audience and Legacy Reactions
Dolph Lundgren, who played He-Man in the 1987 film, commented on Nicholas Galitzine's performance, stating that Galitzine built himself up physically and accessed the character's boyish side.
Release Information
Masters of the Universe is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on June 5, with Thursday night previews preceding the Friday opening.