Review: The Film, Masters of the Universe…

I used to destroy my toys as a kid. Demolish them. Looking back, I often wondered why my parents bought more for me, for a while, anyway. GI Joe’s, when they were Barbie-sized, didn’t last. Hess trucks didn’t survive the season. And army men, though durable, still wound up damaged in some way after a miniature firecracker or two. I recall wanting to buy a He-Man toy, especially a Skeletor action figure, specifically to rip its arms off. But, alas, I was a bit too old at the time of the original series premiere. Besides, I had better things to spend my allowance on. 

Did I grow out of my destructive tendencies? I should hope so. 

Masters of the Universe (2026) brings me back to my early teen years, when my destructive tendencies were still apparent but dwindling. Yet watching Jared Leto (Tron: Ares) masterfully portray Skeletor made me want to jump for joy, not break things. So that’s progress. 

We all know the story. Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine, Purple Hearts) is exiled to Earth after Skeletor’s hostile takeover of his home planet, Eternia. Fifteen years later, he finds himself as a human resources counselor seeking the Sword of Power, which he lost in transit while fleeing to Earth. After being chased through the streets of Oklahoma City by a thug from his home planet, Beast Man (a CGI humanoid voiced by Gary Martin, Blacktalon), he is assisted by his childhood friend and classmate, Teela (Camila Mendes, Upgraded), who leads him to her ship that brings them back to their home planet. Back home, Adam finds his powers, some allies, and the confidence to take on Skeletor. 

It’s patently obvious that the cast has a blast playing their parts in this movie. Screen and streaming show veteran Idris Elba (Luther) plays Duncan with enough self-loathing that ultimately—and thankfully—turns back into dignity. Queen Marlena is portrayed by Charlotte Riley (London Has Fallen) with the subtlety and strength only a grieving mother could carry. James Purefoy’s (Rome) King Randor is so tough that he often forgets to be tender. Morena Baccarin (Deadpool), as The Sorceress, does as well as she can with the limited screen time she is allotted. The same with Allison Brie’s (Community) Evil-Lyn.

But the movie belongs to Jared Leto. Despite Skeletor being mostly CGI-generated on screen, he deftly balances menacing villainy with hilarious, over-the-top theatrics. At one point, he leans into the homo-eroticism and queer coding that, with the original series growing cult status, has made the franchise a recognized gay icon. The pause he employs when mentioning Adam’s magic sword is pure hilarity and loaded metaphor.

As far as nodding to the gay icon that He-Man had become, Adam, in the film, wears a pink shirt when not in his leather and metal baldric and loincloth. But these nods and references are all in fun. The film makes a valiant effort and succeeds remarkably in returning to the campy, kitschy style of the original series. The film’s lighthearted approach also contributes to the overall fun. The script is filled with self-aware jokes and meta-humor. Adam’s character arc from a pacifist, ineffective HR counselor to a strong, self-assured warrior and protector is a delightful yet meaningful detail.

I highly recommend this film as a keeper, not just a one-off. I can return to this film several times in the future and still have fun with it (without, of course, wanting to destroy a Skeletor doll). Who knows? Masters of the Universe might even reach cult film status.