The first reactions to Amazon MGM’s Masters of the Universe are finally here, and the early buzz is sounding far more positive than many fans expected.
Following the film’s world premiere, several early reactions praised the movie for fully embracing the larger than life fantasy insanity that made the original franchise iconic in the 1980s. One of the most talked about reactions described the film as “gloriously campy, wildly entertaining, and nonstop fun from beginning to end,” with many viewers praising director Travis Knight for understanding exactly what fans wanted from a live action He Man movie.
The film stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He Man alongside Jared Leto, Idris Elba, Camila Mendes, and Alison Brie. The story follows Adam returning to Eternia after years away in order to confront Skeletor and reclaim his destiny as the most powerful man in the universe.
A major theme appearing throughout reactions is the movie’s willingness to lean into the colorful fantasy tone of the original cartoons and toy line instead of grounding everything in realism. Some viewers are already comparing the film’s energy to modern fantasy blockbusters, pointing to its oversized visuals, cosmic mythology, and unapologetically fun approach to the material.
Masters of the Universe [credit: Amazon Studios]
Interestingly, “campy” is clearly being used as a compliment this time around. The franchise has always carried a certain level of over the top fantasy charm, and many fans online seem relieved that the movie did not attempt to strip away that identity. Discussions across social media have praised the film for embracing the weirdness of Eternia rather than trying to reinvent it into something overly dark or self serious.
The premiere itself also featured a major full circle moment for longtime fans when original 1987 He Man actor Dolph Lundgren appeared alongside Galitzine on the red carpet holding the iconic Sword of Power.
Amazon MGM appears to be positioning Masters of the Universe as one of its biggest theatrical releases of 2026, and based on these first reactions, the studio may finally have a genuine crowd pleasing fantasy franchise on its hands.
Masters of the Universe arrives in theaters on June 5, 2026.
