Masters of the Universe film receives mixed reviews on release

The live‑action adaptation of the 1980s He‑Man franchise, "Masters of the Universe," opened in UK and US cinemas in early June. The movie stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He‑Man and features Jared Leto as the villainous Skeletor, with direction by Travis Knight and a runtime of 140 minutes (12A rating).

Critics praised the film’s vivid visual design, colorful costumes and energetic soundtrack, noting its appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. However, reviews also highlighted shortcomings: an over‑reliance on irony and self‑referential humor, uneven jokes, and a narrative that struggled to balance the protagonist’s modern HR persona with his heroic destiny. While the prelude showing Skeletor’s conquest of Eternia was singled out as a strong sequence, the overall reception was mixed, with scores ranging from two to three stars out of five.