Masters of the Universe Review : A Fun , Nostalgic Return to Eternia

Acclaimed director Travis Knight brings his creative vision to one of Mattel’s most iconic properties with “Masters of the Universe,” the long-awaited live-action revival of the beloved He-Man franchise from Amazon MGM Studios. Written by Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, and David Callaham, the film marks the second big-screen adaptation of the property and delivers a crowd-pleasing blend of fantasy, humor, and old-school adventure.

After being separated from his home world for 15 years, Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) discovers that the legendary Sword of Power may finally hold the key to returning to Eternia. Upon his arrival, he finds the kingdom in ruins and under the ruthless control of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and reclaim his world, Adam must join forces with Teela (Camila Mendes), Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and a host of familiar allies while embracing his destiny as He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe.

Like many children of the 1980s, I grew up with He-Man toys scattered across my bedroom floor. While my attention eventually shifted to G.I. Joe, I never lost my appreciation for the mythology of Eternia and even maintain a soft spot for the much-maligned 1987 film. From the moment Travis Knight was announced as director, I felt cautiously optimistic. His work has consistently balanced heart, action, and humor, and those strengths are on full display here.

The film opens with a surprisingly effective prologue that establishes Adam’s relationship with his parents before transporting viewers to an adult Adam living an ordinary life in Oklahoma City. The screenplay smartly provides Adam with a compelling reason to search for the Sword of Power, making his journey feel earned rather than dictated by fate alone. Galitzine proves to be an engaging lead, successfully capturing both Adam’s uncertainty and the heroism that lies beneath the surface.

Once the story returns to Eternia, “Masters of the Universe” truly comes alive. Knight and his creative team craft a colorful love letter to the generation that grew up watching the animated series. The appearance of fan-favorite characters such as Fisto, Ram-Man, Moss Man, and Mekaneck should leave longtime fans grinning from ear to ear.

The supporting cast is equally strong. Idris Elba brings both authority and charm to Duncan, while Camila Mendes delivers a confident and capable Teela. Alison Brie adds a seductive edge to Evil-Lyn without reducing the character to a caricature, and Jared Leto clearly relishes every moment as Skeletor, striking the right balance between theatricality and menace. The action sequences are energetic, visually impressive, and packed with the larger-than-life spectacle audiences expect from this property.

My biggest criticism is the running time. At 140 minutes, the movie occasionally overstays its welcome as it lays the groundwork for future installments and teases what comes next through a pair of post-credit scenes. A tighter edit could have strengthened the overall pacing.

Still, thanks to a likable lead, strong performances, genuine humor, nostalgic callbacks, and a clear affection for the source material, “Masters of the Universe” succeeds where many toy-based adaptations have struggled.

Final Grade: B

“Masters of the Universe” opens in theaters today.