He-Man’s ‘Masters of the Universe’ Returns to Theaters Amid Mixed Reviews and Modest Box‑Office Forecast

The live‑action "Masters of the Universe" film, a reboot of the 1980s He‑Man franchise, opened in U.S. theaters on June 5, 2026. Directed by Travis Knight and produced by Amazon MGM and Mattel, the movie stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He‑Man, Camila Mendes as Teela, Idris Elba as Man‑At‑Arms, Jared Leto as Skeletor and Alison Brie as Evil‑Lyn.

Early critical response was generally positive for a nostalgic adventure: Rotten Tomatoes reported a 78 % “Fresh” rating from professional critics, with praise for the film’s campy tone, colorful visuals and faithful use of the source material. Reviewers highlighted the energetic performances of Galitzine and Mendes, while noting uneven humor and a soft‑hearted middle‑act. The movie also sparked discussion of He‑Man’s long‑standing gay‑icon subtext.

Box‑office projections, however, are modest. Industry trackers anticipate a domestic opening of $25‑35 million, far below the film’s roughly $170 million production budget. Analysts warn the modest start could threaten the franchise’s viability despite strong early buzz and a growing global fan base, which includes notable interest in India and Europe.

Beyond the screen, Galitzine’s intense physical transformation—gaining thousands of calories a day and adding significant muscle— attracted media attention, as did the cast’s efforts to learn the franchise’s history after being cast. The film’s release strategy includes a limited IMAX rollout and Amazon’s plan to shift the movie to its streaming platform after theatrical run.