By the Power of Grayskull, Travis Knight has done it.
As an ’80s kid born in 1982 who grew up watching the He-Man cartoon and playing with the action figures, I can officially say that I thoroughly enjoyed this trip down nostalgia lane. And honestly, I’m surprised by just how much I liked it.
Like many people, I was underwhelmed by the marketing campaign. Aside from the first footage shown at CinemaCon in 2025, very little of the promotional material had wowed me or left me feeling excited. Sorry, Amazon MGM. It’s true, and you know I still love you for what you do. Despite that rocky marketing rollout, there was something about this adaptation that kept me curious. After seeing the film, I know exactly what that something was: Travis Knight.
Knight is clearly an ’80s kid at heart. He helped revitalize the Transformers franchise with Bumblebee and has long been associated with LAIKA, the studio behind remarkable animated films like Coraline, ParaNorman, and Kubo and the Two Strings. He understands how to make films that appeal to families while also connecting with older audiences who grew up with the source material.
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One of the most surprising things about Masters of the Universe is that, despite being a modern blockbuster, it genuinely feels like an ’80s movie. It embraces the cheesiness, leans into the cartoon’s larger-than-life themes, and never shies away from how wonderfully ridiculous this world can be. Much like the original series, it’s incredibly meme-worthy in all the right ways.
At the premiere, Knight spoke about his love for He-Man growing up and even poked fun at how ridiculously over-the-top the franchise could be. That affection shines through in every frame of the film. He understands what this property is supposed to be and captures its spirit perfectly.
The plot is very straightforward, as it should be. Adam, played brilliantly by Nicholas Galitzine, is living a relatively mundane life on Earth when the forces of Skeletor threaten the world. Forced to embrace his destiny, Adam embarks on a quest to recover the Sword of Power before returning home to stop an all-out war between good and evil. The film succeeds because it never tries to be anything other than what it is. Everyone involved seems to understand the franchise’s tone and exactly how to make it work for modern audiences. The movie is loaded with campiness, and that’s precisely what makes it so much fun.
Skeletor has always been a fascinating villain because, despite believing he’s the most intimidating being in the universe, he’s also incredibly vain and egotistical. Jared Leto fully embraces those qualities. While much of the character’s performance relies on voice work and motion capture, Leto clearly understands the assignment. Alison Brie is equally entertaining as Evil-Lyn, often serving as the perfect counterbalance to Skeletor’s endless dramatic monologues. Some of the film’s funniest moments come from her reactions to his behavior, while other scenes remind us just how dangerous the character of Skeletor can be when he’s angry.
While the film is colorful, lighthearted, and undeniably fun, it isn’t afraid to lean into darker territory when necessary. There are even a few genuinely emotional moments, particularly during the second half. The movie has this feel-good energy that keeps it moving.
The casting choices by Denise Chamian deserve a shoutout. I was never a huge Riverdale fan, but Camila Mendes completely won me over as Teela. Mendes and Galitzine carry much of the film on their shoulders, and both rise to the occasion. Their chemistry gives the story an emotional center, and without the right actors in those roles, the entire film could have fallen apart.
That’s not to diminish the supporting cast, which is excellent across the board. Idris Elba brings plenty of charm and humor to his role, while the rest of the ensemble fully commits to the film’s tone. Everyone appears to understand exactly what kind of movie they’re making, and that commitment goes a long way toward making the whole thing work.
One thing I found myself wondering throughout the screening was how the film would play for audiences who have little or no connection to He-Man. Several people at the premiere mentioned that they didn’t grow up with the character, and reactions seemed somewhat mixed. I suspect this may end up being fifty-fifty for those who aren’t fans of this 80s icon.
If you have no attachment to the franchise, some of the appeal of this story and its characters may be lost on you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the style, energy, and cheesiness of many ’80s fantasy adventures, there’s still plenty here to enjoy. For me, the biggest reason the film works is that it captures everything I’ve always loved about Masters of the Universe across its various incarnations.
I also have to give credit to the artisans who brought Eternia to life. The older I get, the more I appreciate the crafts because these artists are often the unsung heroes of filmmaking.
Daniel Pemberton once again proves why he’s one of the greatest composers working today. His score plays a crucial role throughout the film, elevating several major sequences and adding emotional weight when it’s needed. Pemberton has delivered multiple outstanding scores this year alone, and Masters of the Universe is yet another reminder of his incredible talent.
The costume design by Richard Sale and his team is equally impressive. The costumes capture the spirit of both the cartoon and the toy line, merging them perfectly into live action. What’s especially remarkable is that many of these costumes were reportedly created practically rather than relying entirely on CGI. Considering the amount of detail required for characters like Fisto, Ram-Man, and Trap Jaw, that’s a tremendous achievement.
The visual effects, combined with stunning production design, bring Eternia and Castle Grayskull to life in spectacular fashion. I also loved the soundtrack, which perfectly complements the film’s nostalgic energy. Rather than relying solely on the most obvious song choices, the filmmakers mix in some unexpected selections that help reinforce the movie’s distinct personality. All of the below-the-line work enhances both the story and the performances, creating a world that feels vibrant, lived-in, and unmistakably Masters of the Universe.
Masters of the Universe is everything this ’80s kid wanted and more. It’s gloriously campy, wildly entertaining, and an absolute blast from beginning to end. Travis Knight completely understood the assignment, delivering exactly the kind of larger-than-life adventure fans of this franchise have been waiting for. Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Mendes are perfectly cast as Adam and Teela, bringing heart, charisma, and chemistry to the story. The entire ensemble embraces the source material while clearly having a great time in the process. Masters of the Universe may end up being one of the biggest surprises of the summer. It’s totally tubular.
Masters of the Universe opens in theaters and IMAX on June 5, 2026.
