Masters of the Universe is now in UK cinemas, bringing He-Man back to the big screen in a new live-action adventure from director Travis Knight. The film stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam, who is led back to Eternia by the Sword of Power after being separated from his home for 15 years. When he returns, he finds Eternia shattered under the rule of Skeletor, played by Jared Leto.
To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with Teela, played by Camila Mendes, and Duncan/Man-At-Arms, played by Idris Elba. Along the way, he has to face the mysteries of his past and embrace his destiny as He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe.
The live-action reboot comes from Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films, with Knight directing from a screenplay by Chris Butler. The project has been in development for years across different studios, but now finally brings the world of Eternia back to cinemas for a new generation.
Masters of the Universe first launched as a Mattel toy line in 1982 before becoming a major animated TV hit with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe in 1983. The franchise has expanded across television, toys, games and animated revivals, with He-Man remaining one of pop culture’s most recognisable fantasy heroes.
For CultureCues, this is one for anyone raised on swords, Saturday morning cartoons and shouting “by the power of Grayskull” at full volume. The casting is a big part of the fun too, with Galitzine taking on He-Man and Leto stepping into full Skeletor mode. There is something fun about seeing a franchise this boldly old-school return at blockbuster scale. Eternia, the Sword of Power, Skeletor, Man-At-Arms and He-Man himself all belong to a very specific corner of pop culture, and judging by the trailer and first-look images, this new version seems ready to make that world feel huge again. Popcorn ready. We are seated.
Masters of the Universe is in UK cinemas now.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.