Travis Knight's Masters of the Universe opens to disappointing reviews
The highly anticipated Hollywood live-action film Masters of the Universe released in theatres on June 5, 2026, but opened to largely disappointing reviews from critics in Hyderabad. Directed by Travis Knight, the film is the second live-action adaptation of the beloved He-Man franchise, following the original 1987 movie.
The film stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam, alongside an ensemble cast including Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Kristen Wiig, Jared Leto, and Idris Elba. Produced by Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal, the fantasy film features music composed by Daniel Pemberton and cinematography by Fabian Wagner.
The storyline follows Prince Adam, who was separated from his home world of Eternia during childhood following an attack by the evil Skeletor, played by Jared Leto. Growing up on Earth, Adam eventually finds the legendary Sword of Power, which leads him back to Eternia fifteen years later to reclaim his kingdom from Skeletor's rule.
Despite high expectations, the film has met with critical disappointment, receiving a rating of 2.25 out of 5. A primary criticism is the portrayal of He-Man himself. Rather than presenting Prince Adam as a powerful and inspiring hero, the screenplay depicts him as a goofy and self-mocking character for most of the runtime, which critics noted weakens the character's iconic impact.
Additionally, critics highlighted that the conflict between Adam and Skeletor lacks emotional weight and fails to generate excitement. While the film starts on a promising note in Eternia, it reportedly loses momentum once the narrative shifts to Earth, leaving the stakes surprisingly low even after Adam's return to his home world. The screenplay has also been criticized for relying on predictable scenes that resemble other superhero films.
On the positive side, the film's visual presentation of Eternia has been praised for its rich production values and impressive scale. Idris Elba's performance as Duncan stands out as a major highlight, bringing strength, warmth, and successful comic timing to the role. Nicholas Galitzine also received decent marks for his sincere effort as Prince Adam, despite being limited by the writing.