Reviews: Masters of the Universe Is Fun and Jared Leto Shines as Skeletor

Travis Knight’s new Masters of the Universe, due June 5, arrives after decades of failed attempts to bring He-Man to the big screen. Critics are mixed but generally favorable: the film sits at a 76 percent critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many positive reviews landing in the 7–8 range rather than as raves.

Supporters praise the movie’s playful, colorful approach and its devotion to He-Man lore without treating it as untouchable. Reviewers highlight strong production design and a spirited score, and several note that the cast embraces the film’s silliness — Nicholas Galitzine and Idris Elba provide backbone while Jared Leto channels over-the-top tendencies into a gloriously outrageous Skeletor.

Not every critic was sold. Some found the humor uneven and the many references confusing for those unfamiliar with the source material, while others called out a dragging middle act, ropey CGI in fights, and moments that feel forced or embarrassing. A few reviews argued the nostalgia never fully connects with the present.

he-man, skeletor, jared leto, travis knight, idris elba, nicholas galitzine, rotten tomatoes, production design, film score, cgi