As a kid I spent countless hours glued to the TV, powering up with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. That classic cartoon was pure escapism—epic battles, heroic ideals, and a mystical world that felt larger than life. I may or may not have harbored a bit of a childhood crush on the Sorceress, so when I heard Morena Baccarin—the stunning actress who’s long been my celebrity crush—was cast in the role? It felt like destiny, and let me tell you, she absolutely nails it.
I walked into Masters of the Universe (2026) with cautious optimism and caught it on the immersive Screen X format at the B&B Wentzville Tower 12 Theater. I took advantage of the T-Mobile Tuesday deal (good for a week) where my ticket only cost $5! It was my first time experiencing a movie where the screen extends to the sides of the theater, and I really liked it—the enhanced peripheral visuals made Eternia feel even more expansive and pulled me deeper into the adventure. The 1987 live-action film with Dolph Lundgren was a campy, fun ride for its era—cheesy in all the right ways but very much a product of its time. This new take? It’s in a completely different league. Director Travis Knight and the team have crafted a vibrant, heartfelt adventure that honors the spirit of the original cartoon while delivering something fresh, exciting, and visually spectacular. I loved every single minute of it. This is the He-Man movie fans like me have been waiting for.
From the moment the film kicks off, it captures that sense of wonder and heroism that defined the series. Nicholas Galitzine brings charm, strength, and just the right amount of vulnerability to Prince Adam/He-Man, making him a hero you can root for across generations. The supporting cast is equally stellar, with standout turns from Alison Brie (Evil-Lyn), Idris Elba (Man at Arms), Jared Leto (Skeletor), and Camila Mendes (Teela) that breathe new life into these iconic characters. Fisto and Ram-man have some hilarious scenes… “Let’s fist some bad guys, give them head Ram-man!”
What makes this film shine is how it balances nostalgia with modern storytelling. The action sequences are thrilling and inventive, the humor lands with perfect timing, and the emotional beats hit harder than expected. The visuals are a feast for the eyes—Eternia leaps off the screen with rich, vibrant designs that feel faithful yet updated. I won’t spoil a thing about the plot, but trust me when I say it respects the legacy while carving out its own path. And for fellow fans sticking around through the credits: there are THREE post-credit scenes that deliver plenty of excitement and teases BIG things to come. You won’t want to miss them!
If you’re a child of the ’80s who grew up shouting “By the power of Grayskull!” or even if you’re discovering this world for the first time, Masters of the Universe is a must-see. It’s fun, sincere, and overflowing with heart. Far better than I dared to hope, this one earns a full five stars from this nostalgic reviewer. Eternia has never looked better. Highly recommended—go see it on the big screen where it belongs (check out Screen X if your theater has it).
Until next time!
