Movie review: Masters Of The Universe

Published June 20, 2026 Updated June 20, 2026 05:09am

Tired of hearing your father talk about He-Man and his adventures, the Power of Grayskull, the magic of the Sorceress and Teela’s bravery? The wait is over. After several animated series on Netflix, the mighty He-Man arrives on the big screen, once again facing his greatest enemy, the evil, skull-faced Skeletor.

Running for a little over two hours, Masters of the Universe is a fun fantasy adventure based on the popular He-Man toy line from the 1980s. The character became famous through cartoons loved by children around the world in the 80s.

This new movie is made for two generations: fans who grew up watching He-Man and younger audiences meeting the hero of Eternia for the first time.

The story follows Prince Adam, who must accept his destiny as He-Man and save Eternia from evil. Sent to Earth as a child, Adam searches for the Sword of Power, the key to unlocking his true strength and returning home. He begins as an ordinary, sometimes clumsy young man, but with courage and determination, he grows into the most powerful hero in the universe.

Nicholas Galitzine does a great job as Prince Adam and He-Man, showing both the character’s struggles and strengths. Jared Leto is convincing as the menacing Skeletor, while Camila Mendes stands out as the brave and loyal Teela. Idris Elba also gives a strong performance as Duncan, also known as Man-At-Arms, He-Man’s mentor and trusted friend.

The movie has similarities with Thor. Both feature a hero from a royal family, a powerful magical weapon and a battle to save a kingdom from evil forces. However, Masters of the Universe has its own style and identity. The world of Eternia is one of the movie’s biggest strengths. Its grand castles, magical landscapes, futuristic technology and ancient powers make the setting feel rich, exciting and visually impressive.

Directed by Travis Knight, who previously directed Bumblebee, the film blends action, emotion and humour in an enjoyable way. With plenty of action scenes, interesting locations and memorable characters, the movie is entertaining for both young viewers and longtime fans.

Overall, Masters of the Universe is an enjoyable adventure that brings the famous He-Man story to life for a new generation while giving older fans a chance to revisit a childhood favourite.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 20th, 2026

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