Masters of the Universe review: Nicholas Galitzine’s He-Man is more than muscles
Masters of the Universe brings He-Man back to theaters as Prince Adam confronts Skeletor and his suspects. The film redefines the franchise’s idea of power through vulnerability, restraint, and responsibility.
For a character whose most famous introduction involved picking up a sword and loudly declaring his power, He-Man spends a surprising amount of time questioning it. This could possibly be the smartest thing lord of the universe.
After decades as the poster boy of exaggerated masculinity in pop culture, be it impossibly broad shoulders, impossibly large swords and an even more impossible physique, He-Man returns to the big screen in a film that’s less interested in interrogating power than celebrating it.
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Thankfully, this works more often than it doesn’t.
Directed by Travis Knight (Bumblebee) with equal amounts of nostalgia and self-awareness, lord of the universe Follows Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) as he struggles to embrace his destiny as the great protector of Eternia, while the ever-dangerous Skeletor threatens to plunge the kingdom into chaos once again. On paper the plot is familiar. Choose one. Ancient prophecy. The world-ending villain. Big sword. You know the drill.
Yet the film finds unexpected depth by focusing less on the battle for Eternia and more on the battle taking place within Adam himself.
At a time when superhero cinema often mistakes trauma for character development and aggression for strength, lord of the universe Takes a surprisingly soft route. Adam’s journey is not about becoming stronger. It’s about accepting uncertainty, insecurity and responsibility. The film repeatedly asks a simple but compelling question: What if true power lies not in dominance, but in restraint? It’s not exactly revolutionary, but it feels refreshing and honest.
Nicholas Galitzine leads the film with a performance that balances physicality and emotional openness. He looks every bit the fantasy hero the audience has come to expect, but more importantly, he allows Adam’s insecurities to exist unashamedly. Beneath the armor is a quiet vulnerability that makes the character feel more human than his larger-than-life mythology.
Opposite him, Jared Leto seems to be having a great time as Skeletor. The actor wisely leans into the theatrics of the role without completely immersing himself in self-parody. Skeletor remains extremely dramatic, and delivers threats with the kind of operatic flair that only a fictional villain named Skeletor could pull off. The performance occasionally flirts with camp but never quite loses its menace.
Camila Mendes also emerges as one of the film’s strongest assets. As Teela, she brings emotional intelligence and agency to a character who could have easily existed to support Adam’s journey. Instead, Mendes gives Tila enough freedom and presence to feel like a hero in her own right.
what makes lord of the universe What’s particularly interesting is how aware it is of He-Man’s cultural heritage. For decades, the character represented a very specific version of masculinity. The film acknowledges that legacy without mocking it. It has subtle moments that challenge traditional ideas of heroism and gender expectations. Visual choices, including Adam repeatedly appearing in soft colors during key emotional scenes, seem to be deliberate rather than accidental. The message never becomes heavy handed, but it remains clear: strength and sensitivity do not have to exist in opposition.
Visually, the film unapologetically embraces fantasy. Eternia looks vibrant, colorful and vibrant. The production design strikes a careful balance between cartoon nostalgia and modern blockbuster spectacle, creating a world that feels accessible to newcomers while rewarding longtime fans.
The action sequences are entertaining, though rarely groundbreaking. In fact, some quiet moments have more impact than big battles. Negotiations, suspicions and emotional reckonings often outweigh explosions.
That said, the film sometimes struggles to balance its ambitions. The pace becomes uneven whenever the story switches between intimate character moments and broader franchise-building responsibilities. One particular joke involving masculinity feels quite dated and sits awkwardly within a story that otherwise attempts to challenge those same assumptions. It’s not enough to derail the movie, but it briefly highlights the tension between old franchise tendencies and new ideas.
still, lord of the universe It deserves credit for trying something that many modern superhero movies seem reluctant to do: slow it down.
Beneath the mythology, there is a surprisingly thoughtful story about demons and sword fighting, identity, responsibility, and emotional courage. The film offers something rare: a hero whose greatest challenge isn’t defeating a villain, but understanding himself.
Through the power of Grayskull, He-Man ultimately learns that vulnerability can be his greatest strength. The film is in theaters now.