The upcoming Masters of the Universe movie has debuted to strong reviews. Ahead of its release, we look at five ways the new film has surpassed the 1987 sword and sorcery epic.
The new movie, which is set to premiere on June 5, 2026, has debuted to surprisingly strong reviews. It current sits at a 74% on Rotten Tomatoes, with over 70 reviews at time of writing. While some are negative of the movie, the resounding opinion is that the movie is a surprisingly enjoyable adventure.
From things like Jared Leto’s take on Skeletor, to capturing the spirit of the Mattel franchise, we take a look at some of the biggest reasons why the new Masters of the Universe movie is getting so much love.
5 Ways the new Masters of the Universe Movie Is Better than the 1987 Film
Jared Leto’s Skeletor
Jared Leto’s Skeletor was one of the most divisive parts of early responses the film. However, reviews are praising his take on the iconic villain. A majority of the reviews say that Leto is much more captivating and engaged in the movie than he has been in some time, with some critics even going so far as to say he is “absolutely magnificent” in the role.
Leto’s Skeletor is a departure from the character we know, specifically in the voice department. However, his new spin on the villain is one that’s so good, some reviewer claims he seems unlike himself. THN’s Kat Hughes noted that Leto is “near impossible to recognize” in the role, which is something both fans and critics of Leto’s might be able to take as a positive thing.
The new movie captures the franchise’s spirit
One of the biggest criticisms of past Masters of the Universe adaptations is how little they capture the spirit of the Mattel franchise. The 1987 film specifically was much more of a grand epic film, and while it’s been regarded as a cult classic since its release, it never really lived up to what fans of the Masters of the Universe franchise wanted in a proper movie.
This time, it seems like fans don’t have to worry. Early reviews of the film note that it perfectly captures the spirit of the classic cartoon and toy line. Many praise the fact that, instead of trying to explain some of the more fantastical elements, the movie is simply deadpan about their existence, making things seem much more normal in the film.
A deeper look at Eternia
Unlike the 1987 film, this Masters of the Universe movie does take us out into the world of Eternia. The first film mainly just features sets inside of Castle Grayskull, mostly due to the limitations at the time. The new movie has no such restraints, though, and gives us our first proper look at the world of Eternia. The movie doesn’t look like it will dive too deep into some of the more obscure lore of MOTU, but even getting to see more of the universe will be something fans want to hear.
It never takes itself too serious
Masters of the Universe never takes itself too seriously. Early reactions call the new movie “silly,” but in a way where the movie understands that its premise is inherently fantastical, and leans into it in an almost campy, self-aware nature.
As a result, the new movie can often laugh at itself and never gets too serious. This lets all the humorous parts of the film remain funny, while also still retaining its core as an action fantasy epic.
Modern effects
One of the biggest changes in between the new movie and the 1987 version is the film’s effects. While there are many criticisms of modern effects in movies, it’s clear that this new Masters of the Universe movie will have a much better look than the original. The 1987 film’s budget, despite being a high $22 million for the time, largely relied on more practical and implied effects, with mostly everyone clad in generic-looking armor.
Unlike that movie, the 2026 version adheres to a more cartoon-accurate look for everyone. On top of that, the film can also employ a ton of effects it simply couldn’t back in the day, making for the inclusion of some of the more fantastical characters, as well as providing an even better looking Skeletor.
