Masters of the Universe

The nostalgia industrial complex is well and truly thriving. From The Crow to the upcoming Highlander reboot, a return to the past is destined to be our future. Now, it’s He-Man’s turn to undergo a postmodern Hollywood makeover. But while the 1987 Masters of the Universe was cheesy 80s escapism, this 2026 incarnation of the golden-haired Adonis is evidently made with the sensibilities of a contemporary moviegoing public at the forefront.

Played by the suitably chiselled Nicholas Galitzine, Adam Glenn, aka He-Man, is forced to live a monotonous life as an HR representative after being ousted from Eternia as a child. After reuniting with childhood pal Teela (Camila Mendes) and his Power Sword, he returns to his homeland. With Eternia having been reduced largely to ruin at the hands of Skeletor (Jared Leto), it’s up to He-Man to save the world and seek vengeance for his dethroned parents.

Clearly a film made by fans, it’s a lovingly crafted adaptation. There are even orchestral numbers lifted directly from the original theme, and the movie is at its best when it leans into retro-tinged motifs.

In his first blockbuster role, and one that’s unmistakably Marvel-coded, Galitzine embodies the beloved hero with all the expected charm (and muscles to boot). Likewise, having previously appeared in lower-budget fare, Mendes proves herself a big-screen mainstay in the making. Meanwhile, Idris Elba brings a warmth and humility to Duncan, the erstwhile Man-At-Arms, who’s suffering a midlife crisis after failing to protect the kingdom.

Much like he did with his infamously panned Heath Ledger-turned-up-to-11 performance as the Joker in Suicide Squad, Leto unashamedly chews the scenery as Skeletor. Admittedly, it’s only Leto and Alison Brie (playing Skeletor’s mistress, Evil-Lyn, as a pantomime villainess) who embrace the camp, and they’re thoroughly enjoyable to watch.

It’s toyetic in the way another Mattel staple – Barbie – was, with plenty of marketing tie-ins. However, unlike the Barbie movie, there’s little wit or satire here. Disappointingly, the film largely eschews the campy fun of the original for the sorts of predictable gags you’d typically find in a modern superhero movie.

However, Gen-Z moviegoers are likely unfamiliar with the absurdity of the original He-Man cartoon and the 1980s film adaptation. Viewed outside of its untapped kitschy, retro potential, Masters of the Universe has all the makings of a summer blockbuster: an entertaining, big-budget spectacle in the Marvel mould.