Masters of the Universe is one of 2026’s biggest blockbuster films, but is it worth watching? The action-superhero movie is based on the ’80s toys, which spawned its own He-Man animated series, and even a live-action movie of the same name starring Dolph Lundgren and Courteney Cox. This new version stars Nicholas Galitzine as Adam/He-Man, Camila Mendes as Teela, Jared Leto as Skeletor, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn and Idris Elba as Duncan. The film itself delves into what it really means to be a hero (AKA, we just need confidence to be a hero in our own lives), and that power can come to the unlikeliest of people. It’s a whirlwind of action, comedy and heartfelt scenes, and it fits neatly into the US summer release schedule.
Below, entertainment writers Bernice Corral and Rachel Choy delve into Nicholas Galitzine’s transformation into He-Man, why Masters of the Universe is so entertaining, and who the real hero of the story is. Spoilers follow.
Rachel Choy: What did you expect going in, were you a fan of the original IP?
Bernice Corral: I didn’t actually know much about it aside from the memes that I’ve seen online. When I watched the trailer, my first thought was it reminded me of Guardians of the Galaxy and Thor Ragnarok, which conveniently are two of my favourite Marvel films, so I was thinking, I’m gonna enjoy this.
RC: I never watched the cartoon. I don’t always love superhero films, and I’m not actually that into Marvel. I don’t hate them, just a bit indifferent. I was kind of curious about Masters of the Universe because it looked quite campy, a bit silly, goofy. But I was really entertained during it. I found it really funny, a bit stupid. They always make comments about Adam’s thighs, which never got old. I wrote this one quote that Skeletor says: “Your long sword dangling between your glorious thighs”.
BC: He was right!
RC: And everyone always goes on about his gorgeous muscles, his tan, and his loincloth.
BC: I wonder if in the cartoon that’s also a bit, or if they decided to bring it into the live action, but I think it’s quite fun either way.
RC: It’s also quite deep for a superhero movie too, because everybody has daddy issues, and it’s all about finding your inner power.
BC: The power is in YOU all along. I think if a kid were to go and watch it, that’s a great message to come out of the movie.
RC: Adam, played by Nick, is a bit useless, though. All the men are useless.
BC: Real. Teela was the glue of the entire planet.
RC: She’s such a badass.
BC: Yeah, and then having to also navigate her relationship with her dad amongst also saving everyone, and being like, oh Adam, you gotta lock in bro.
RC: Come on Adam! And she saved him from death many times. She sends him into the back of the plane, and he flies the wrong way. You think: how does the hope of this planet rely on you? It’s very funny though, how he comes from Earth. But his room is covered with drawings of a sword. If he brings a girl home, how does he explain that?
BC: And it’s funny because he put all the drawings of his actual family in a box, but what he wanted on display were his sword drawings.
RC: He’s basically saying, it’s just in case I forget what the sword of power looks like. I don’t think you’re gonna forget what it looks like my guy. I think you’re fine.
BC: I think five drawings are enough. That’s basically the wallpaper of your apartment.
RC: Nick was a great choice though, because he could portray both an awkward and silly side, but also lock in and become a superhero. But also low-key, when he first transformed from Adam to He-Man, he was basically naked.
BC: The POV is abs. They could have surely used a different shot here.
RC: My husband, when we watched the trailer, he was like, Galtizine is not big enough to be He-Man! He’s too small! I was like, are you seeing this? He’s huge.
BC: He’s massive! There were so many shots of his muscles, and at one point I was thinking one paper cut on a vein would actually draw his blood supply.
RC: When he went to the gym for the first time I was like, my guy. You’re obviously already big, I think you know what you’re doing.
BC: I’ve also seen people online always make the joke about how Nick will always portray a character as a himbo. That’s so true, he also did that movie with Charli xcx 100 Nights Of Hero. And then this one. I’m like, actually, I do see that about him, even if it’s not intentional.
There were so many shots of his muscles, and at one point I was thinking one paper cut on a vein would actually draw his blood supply.
Bernice Corral on Nicholas Galitzine in Masters Of THe Universe
RC: Maybe that’s his niche. Wait… imagine if he was this buff playing Prince Henry in Red, White & Royal Wedding.
BC: No! In the first movie when he hides in that closet, at this size, he wouldn’t fit in there.
RC: He would have burst out like, oh hey! Okay wait, back to Adam. So Adam also has daddy issues. He’s trying to get his father’s approval the whole time, that’s heavy. I feel that.
BC: Yeah, and spoiler, then he kills him. That got dark.
RC: And then he finally got reunited with his mum, and he’s like oh hey mum, yeah I saw Dad, I killed him, but I got his approval just before he died, so I’m good.
BC: I can finally heal my childhood trauma.
RC: I did love how he came from the corporate world on Earth though, and tried to implement his strategies into… war. He rallies everyone together to ideate during a war seminar. Adam, please!
BC: He’s talking about team building and conflict resolution. And everyone’s standing there like, let’s actually get to saving the planet before you die.
RC: It’s so good! I feel the same way when we use corporate speak in our life. But that scene was so silly and fun, especially with all the names like Fisto. Even the music they use and slow-motion walking, you can’t help but smile in the cinema.
BC: Also, this is Mattel’s next IP movie after Barbie, which was such a big success.
RC: I wonder if we’ll see more and more of these IPs, because obviously existing IP is all the rage right now, because studios are just focused on making money.
BC: I also think when it comes to toys, they’re not reliant on following an exact storyline. You don’t have to go in thinking, oh, this scene I read in the book wasn’t how I imagined it on screen.
RC: You have a bit more freedom. which is fun!
BC: It’s such an easy watch even if you don’t know much about it. I’m curious to see people who grew up with the cartoon, what they think about it and how it compares.
RC: I know somebody who grew up with the cartoon, is a massive fan of He-Man and went to the preview screening. He said it was a perfect He-Man movie, and he loved it. What did you think of the post-credit scene? I interpreted it so badly.
BC: “Are they dating?” – Rachel Choy, about He-Man and his twin sister She-Ra.
RC: I was so sure they were in love. This is his wife. Nope. His estranged sister makes way more sense. It makes me think that it’s going to be a big franchise. I hope it becomes really popular and successful, because it’s a different offering to the other superhero movies out there. I think those who don’t love Marvel, DC or superheroes can get on board with this one.
BC: And even though we didn’t grow up with it, it also felt very nostalgic of the ’80s.
RC: Yes! It’s the costumes, the hair, the awkward jokes. So overall, do you think Masters of the Universe is worth watching?
BC: Yes, if you want to have a good time. It’s such an easy watch, and you don’t need to know the backstory.
RC: If you hate fun, don’t watch it. Sorry that your life is so bad.
BC: Don’t go in if you want to watch a movie that’s going to be nominated for 10 Oscars.
RC: And you know what? A lot of times Oscar movies are very pretentious, and I don’t want to watch three hours of war. I mean, this is about war, but there’s also a giant green cat and a planet called Eternia. But I’m keen for this one to continue.
I hope it becomes really popular and successful, because it’s a different offering to the other superhero movies out there.
Rachel Choy on Masters of the universe
BC: I’m excited to see if he comes back as He-Man, because I want to see his dynamic with She-Ra.
RC: Yeah, I’m interested to see him naked again.
BC: We had arm shots, but not many thigh shots, despite them talking about it constantly.
RC: That’s in the sequel!
This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Masters of the Universe is now playing in theaters.
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