(Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)
I’ve always believed that if you’re passionate about a franchise and understand exactly what makes it work, you’re more likely to enjoy the film a whole lot more. “Masters of the Universe” is a strong example, with a dedicated fanbase stretching back to the action figures that launched in 1982, through the animated series, and later the first live-action adaptation starring Dolph Lundgren.The 2026 reboot, now playing in theaters, has an entire devoted community rooting for it. But as someone who isn’t familiar with this world at all, I have a lot of thoughts.Tom's Guide Verdict: 'Masters of the Universe'Rating: 2.5/5 starsVerdict: “Masters of the Universe” is a familiar, sugar-loaded fantasy reboot that looks slick but feels overlong and predictable. While the cast have fun and Skeletor shines, the inconsistent visuals and lack of originality make this a safe, ultimately unnecessary return to Eternia.Where to watch: See "Masters of the Universe" in theaters now“Masters of the Universe” began as a corporate turnaround story after Mattel famously passed on Star Wars toys in 1976. By 1980, the company was scrambling to recover and developed He-Man as a new original action figure line to compete with Kenner’s dominance. Decades later, the franchise clearly still has the power.After bouncing around various studios and creative teams for over a decade, the new reboot finally found a home at Amazon MGM Studios, partnering with Mattel Films to bring Prince Adam and the world of Eternia back to the big screen with a sizable, prestige-budget production.Even though it’s an impressive legacy, I came away from my early screening of “Masters of the Universe” feeling a little hollow, as if I’d seen it all a hundred times before. Again, as someone who didn’t grow up with this franchise or see the original series or film, my take will naturally differ. But as someone who spends a lot of time watching reboots, remakes, and reimaginings of all kinds, I can’t help but wonder: Was this movie necessary?‘Masters of the Universe’ is pure fantasy comfort food
