He has the power... to win over critics! Masters of the Universe is pulling in hugely positive reactions following its LA premiere, and being compared to the likes of Marvel's Thor and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Directed by Bumblebee helmer Travis Knight, the new live-action fantasy flick wonders what an episode of the '80s cartoon would've looked if one of Skeletor's schemes had actually worked. With that, it sees Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) living a humdrum human life on Earth, having been sent there by his mother when he was a young boy.
But Adam has never forgotten who he really is or where he hails from, and has spent the last few years searching for the Power Sword and a way to get back to Eternia. When he manages to find both, he's shocked to find his home has been taken over by evil warlord Skeletor (Jared Leto). After so many decades away, does he have what it takes to become the buff blonde hero he's destined to be and save his people?
On Twitter, The AU Review's Peter Gray praised Galitzine's comedic timing, the film's "knowingly cartoonish, '80s vibes", and Leto's "campy" voicework as Skeletor.
Elsewhere, Collider's Perri Nemiroff said she "was totally swept away by this super vibrant, weird and gleeful romp." Nemiroff went on to call it "downright ridiculous, but ridiculous works when the cast and crew wholly get the kind of movie they're making and are enthusiastic about going all out to bring it to life."
"One of the biggest surprises of 2026," she added.
"MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE is like a sister film to the first Thor," wrote DiscussingFilm's Andrew J. Salazar. "Struggles to find its footing in the first half, but once it locks on its themes of fragile masculinity and ego, it makes way for an incredibly fun time that's also visually stimulating. Nicholas Galitzine is great!"
"Masters of the Universe being one of the best movies I've seen all year was not on my bingo card but here we are," tweeted Offscreen Central's Kenzie Vanunu. "Genuinely an epic good time. I love swords, I guess."
Check out some other reactions below...
#MastersOfTheUniverse’s shaggy charms worked on me. A colossally epic time. Has a GOTG-style, self-aware tone & a radical message at its core. Nicholas Galitzine & Camila Mendes nailed it. @DANIELPEMBERTON’s rock score (w/ assist by Brian May) hits so good. Stay thru the credits! pic.twitter.com/yTVUYD4b60May 19, 2026
It's clear that everyone involved with MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE has such an unabashed passion for the source material and its impact on their creativity. While at times feeling like a relic from the 2010s IP grab, it finds its strength in proudly embracing the quirky, campy,… pic.twitter.com/nUaNccHnz4May 19, 2026
Masters of the Universe is everything this ’80s kid wanted and more. It’s gloriously campy, wildly entertaining, and nonstop fun from beginning to end. Travis Knight completely understood the assignment and delivered exactly what fans of this franchise have been waiting for.… pic.twitter.com/QrbYzSO1oOMay 19, 2026
MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE is a hell of a lot of fun. Nicholas Galitzine brings a sweetness to Adam Glenn that makes his take on He-Man memorable and also a fascinating take on masculinity. Fun, fun, fun and features The Man by The Killers so I was IN! pic.twitter.com/6misEcxupuMay 19, 2026
If you missed the hopeful, bright, and upbeat joy that the 1980s once possessed, you have the power to find it again by watching #MastersoftheUniverse. A film bursting with so much life and fun you truly won’t want it to end… but boy oh boy when it does end 👀May 19, 2026
I HAVE THE POWER to tell you that #MastersOfTheUniverse is what happens when you watch the cartoon, grab your action figures, & make your own adventure. An absolute blast, laugh out loud funny, and a Fisto-powered punch of heart. I loved it. Everything you could want. pic.twitter.com/jxQWVvknwxMay 19, 2026
It seems worth noting, though, that not everyone dug what Knight has done with the franchise, with Gizmodo's Germain Lussier arguing that only the first 20 minutes of the movie were enjoyable. "As for the rest? It's a mess. Serious played for laughs, laughs played for emotion, it works, it doesn't, it really tries but ends up being too awkward. Great end credits scenes though."
Masters of the Universe releases on June 5. While we wait, check out our guide to the most exciting upcoming movies heading our way.
