He-Man is back on the big screen for the first time since the 1987 Dolph Lundgren film, and the result is exactly the kind of movie that divides audiences along generational lines.
Travis Knight — the director of Bumblebee and Kubo and the Two Strings — brings a deliberately lighthearted, almost animated sensibility to the material. Nicholas Galitzine plays Prince Adam as gullible and earnest rather than the musclebound warrior of the original toy line. Jared Leto commits fully to Skeletor in a performance that reviewers largely agree is the film's highlight.
The cast
Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms brings the film's most grounded performance. Camila Mendes as Teela and Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn round out a strong ensemble. Kristen Wiig voices Roboto. Dolph Lundgren — star of the 1987 original — has a cameo. The film runs 141 minutes and is rated PG-13.
What the reviews say
Critics are divided. Audiences who remember the 1980s cartoon fondly are finding a lot to enjoy — the film captures the spirit of the animated series more faithfully than any live-action version has before. Those expecting a serious fantasy epic will find it tonally lighter than expected. The consensus: nostalgic fun, uneven execution.
Why it matters to collectors
Masters of the Universe is one of the foundational properties of 1980s action figure culture — the same DNA that runs through the collector community. A high-profile theatrical release consistently drives renewed interest in vintage and modern collectibles. If you grew up with He-Man, this film is worth experiencing regardless of the review split.
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In theaters now
Masters of the Universe opened June 5. In theaters nationwide.
— Superhero Empire