Film	Critics Score	Audience Score
The Secret of the Sword (1985)	60%	80%
Masters of the Universe (1987)	21%	41%
Masters of the Universe (2026)	66%	88%

The new film has even outperformed the cult-favorite 1987 adaptation starring Dolph Lundgren, which was a commercial and critical disappointment upon release but later developed a loyal fan following.

Among television adaptations, only the original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe animated series (91%) and the 2002 reboot (97%) currently hold higher audience ratings.

What Audiences Loved About the Film

Viewers have highlighted several aspects of the movie as major strengths.

Many praised the film's blend of fantasy action, sword-fighting sequences, and comedy, noting that it captures the fun and adventurous spirit of the original franchise.

Longtime fans also appreciated the nostalgic elements while acknowledging that the film successfully modernizes the world of Eternia for contemporary audiences.

Jared Leto's Skeletor Receives Praise

One of the most talked-about performances has been that of Jared Leto as Skeletor.

Audiences have praised the actor's ability to balance humor, menace, and over-the-top villainy, with many describing his portrayal as faithful to the iconic character's legacy.

Nicholas Galitzine Impresses as He-Man

Lead star Nicholas Galitzine has also received positive reviews for his portrayal of Prince Adam and He-Man.

Fans have commended his screen presence and action sequences, while supporting performances from Camila Mendes as Teela and the rest of the ensemble cast have been well received.

Sequel Plans May Depend on Box Office Results

Despite the strong audience reception, the future of the franchise remains uncertain.

The film reportedly concludes with several storylines left open, clearly positioning itself as the beginning of a larger cinematic universe. However, whether those plans move forward may depend entirely on commercial performance.

Industry projections currently estimate a domestic opening weekend of approximately $31.1 million, placing it behind the newly released Scary Movie reboot.

Massive Budget Creates Financial Challenge

One of the biggest hurdles facing Masters of the Universe is its reported production budget, estimated between $170 million and $200 million.

Industry analysts suggest that a film of this scale would likely need to generate approximately $450 million to $500 million worldwide to reach profitability after marketing and distribution costs.

Several factors may be affecting its box office prospects:

• The franchise is primarily associated with audiences who grew up during the 1980s.
• Competition from major summer releases remains intense.
• Younger viewers may be less familiar with the original He-Man mythology.

As a result, even strong audience satisfaction may not be enough to guarantee a blockbuster theatrical run.

Streaming Could Give the Franchise New Life

While theatrical performance remains a concern, the film may find a broader audience once it arrives on Prime Video.

Positive word-of-mouth and strong audience ratings could help attract viewers who skipped the theatrical release, potentially strengthening the franchise's long-term value for Amazon.

No official streaming release date has been announced so far.

What About the She-Ra Series?

Amazon has also been developing a live-action She-Ra television series.

Reports previously confirmed that director Nicole Kassell would helm the project, while writer Heidi Schreck would serve as showrunner.

However, there have been no major updates regarding the project's development since 2024, leaving its status uncertain.

Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team

Alongside Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Mendes, the film features an impressive ensemble cast that includes:

• Alison Brie
• James Purefoy
• Morena Baccarin
• Kristen Wiig
• Idris Elba

The film is directed by Travis Knight, known for Bumblebee, with a screenplay by Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, and David Callaham.