Movies based on toys from my childhood are hit-or-miss, and mainly miss. Does anybody really love the live-action Transformers films? Not me. As a big G.I. Joe fan growing up, I have tried to enjoy the three films based on the franchise, and mostly failed.
Sidenote: If you want to read a G.I. Joe comic book that transcends toys, track down Cobra: The Last Laugh. Trust me.
As for Masters of the Universe, while the animated series is beloved (just like the ones for G.I. Joe and Transformers), the 1987 live-action adaptation is considered a pretty horrible film. Considering this track record, you’d be well within your rights to think that a Masters of the Universe film in 2026 would be as creatively successful as its genre friends.
I’m very happy to say that you and I both would be wrong. Masters of the Universe is hella fun, as the kids say.
The film tells the story of Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine), who is tasked with saving the city of Eternos on the planet Eternia from the dreaded Skeletor (Jared Leto) and his right-hand, Evil-Lyn (Alison Brie). Adam is helped along the way by his longtime friend Teela (Camilla Mendes) and her father, Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba).
That’s the nuts and bolts of the plot, and that’s really all you need going on. A voiceover from Adam at the top of the film gives newcomers some Eternia history, and then we’re off to the races. There’s so much good stuff in Masters of the Universe, from the heart-on-their-sleeve performances from everyone involved to the action sequences (the first 20 minutes of the film are spectacular) to the script, which manages to be earnest and campy at the same time. The movie feels original, even if it’s based on a 40-year-old property
Much like 2023’s Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Masters of the Universe respects its source material while also making a film that easily accessible to anybody. Unfortunately, the IP’s longevity seems to have worked against it, as the movie has been a significant box-office bomb for Amazon/MGM Studios. None of its lack of success comes from director Travis Knight, his actors, or writers Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, Alex Litvak, and Michael Finch. All of them delivered the goods. Hopefully, audiences will discover Masters of the Universe when it hits Amazon Prime Video; it’s a fun-filled film waiting for them.
It has the power…to entertain.
