He-Man and Skeletor return to the big screen this week, as Masters of the Universe hits cinemas. All together now: "By the power of Grayskull - I have the power!"08:30, 02 Jun 2026An iconic 80s hero makes a triumphant return to cinemas this week, as Masters of the Universe arrives on the big screen, introducing He-Man, Skeletor, and an array of vibrant heroes and villains to a new generation. The film promises to be a visually stunning spectacle, with British actor Nicholas Galitzine taking centre stage as Prince Adam and his heroic alter-ego, supported by an impressive cast featuring Jared Leto as the villainous Skeletor, and Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms.‌However, this isn't the first occasion the warriors of Eternia have graced cinema screens. Nearly four decades ago, in 1987, Swedish action star Dolph Lundgren wielded the magic sword and uttered those legendary words: "I have the power!" As the gates to Castle Grayskull swing open once again, I revisited the original film to assess how well it has aged after almost 40 years.‌Let's address the obvious issue straight away - even judged by 1987 standards, the special effects in this film are decidedly ropy. While nobody would reasonably expect a film approaching its 40th anniversary to match the visual polish of today's blockbusters, it's evident the production team were working with a significantly inadequate budget.‌Skeletor's ragtag band of henchmen appear as though they've just stepped out of an episode of Power Rangers, while the mystical realm of Eternia bears an uncanny resemblance to that familiar rocky stretch of California featured in countless episodes of Star Trek. Meanwhile, beloved characters from the cartoon and toy range, including He-Man's timid feline companion Cringer - along with his formidable alter-ego, the mighty Battle-Cat - and the imp-like sorcerer Orko, are conspicuously absent, both presumably deemed too costly to bring convincingly to life.The plot is roughly what you'd expect. The villainous Skeletor seeks to obtain a special key, which ends up on Earth in the possession of two unwitting teenagers, the heroes turn up to lend a hand, there's an epic swordfight, He-Man yells "I have the power!", roll credits.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌But then, does it really matter when the entire purpose of the franchise from the outset was to shift toys? In that regard, it's an absolute spectacle, reports the Express.The assortment of creatures and monsters confronting our heroes are perfectly designed to grace toy shop shelves, and Skeletor even spends much of the film's second half hovering about on a giant throne that may as well have a massive flashing sign proclaiming "In stores now!"Lundgren, fresh from a genuinely iconic turn as Ivan Drago in Rocky 4, is decent, if hardly outstanding, as He-Man, while his allies Teela and Man-At-Arms are essentially on hand to fire lasers at things.‌The film also notably features a young Courteney Cox, still the best part of a decade away from becoming one of the biggest stars on the planet as Monica in Friends, alongside Robert Duncan McNeill, who would himself later become a familiar face on the small screen as hotshot pilot Tom Paris across all seven seasons of Star Trek: Voyager.Yet the real showstopper is Frank Langella as Skeletor. Casting the seasoned stage and screen veteran — who apparently accepted the role because his son was a devoted fan of the franchise — was an absolute masterstroke, and he's clearly relishing every single moment, gleefully chewing through the scenery with gusto.‌Whenever he appears on screen, bellowing at his minions or cursing He-Man, the film bursts into life, and it remains a genuine shame that he isn't celebrated alongside Darth Vader and the Wicked Witch of the West as one of cinema's greatest villains. Jared Leto is set to take on the role in this year's franchise reboot, and he'll have his work cut out if he hopes to surpass Langella's barnstorming portrayal.Meg Foster also delivers a suitably menacing performance as Skeletor's henchwoman Evil-Lyn, while 80s stalwart James Tolkan — perhaps best known from Top Gun and the Back to the Future films — also makes an appearance.So, does the 1987 outing for the Masters of the Universe stand the test of time in 2026? There's plenty to appreciate, particularly Frank Langella's remarkable performance. It even includes a post-credit sequel tease decades before Marvel turned this into a staple of every blockbuster.Article continues belowHowever, it's perhaps best viewed as a glimpse of the potential the franchise possessed - potential which will hopefully be fulfilled when the Masters of the Universe make their comeback to the silver screen this week.