The first reactions to Masters of the Universe are in, and they are a lot more positive than expected.
The live-action reboot, directed by Travis Knight, is getting praised as a goofy, colorful, ’80s-style fantasy adventure that fully embraces the He-Man source material instead of running away from it.
The early reactions also single out Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, Jared Leto as Skeletor, Camila Mendes as Teela, and Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn.
However, not everyone is fully on board, as a few reactions say the movie starts rough or feels awkward in spots.
Masters of the Universe reactions praise the ’80s cartoon feel
A lot of the early buzz focuses on the movie leaning hard into its cartoon roots.
Courtney Howard said the movie’s “shaggy charms” worked for her, calling it “a colossally epic time.” She also praised the movie’s “GOTG-style, self-aware tone” and said it has “a radical message at its core.”
Scott Menzel said Masters of the Universe is “everything this ’80s kid wanted and more,” adding that Travis Knight “completely understood the assignment” and delivered what fans have been waiting for.
Several reactions describe the movie as a Saturday morning cartoon brought to life. K.E.V.I.N. Fenix said the film “revives Saturday morning cartoon magic with massive action, silly laughs, and real heart,” while Brandon Norwood said it is “literally a Saturday morning cartoon come to life.”
Big Gold Belt Media called it “TRULY EPIC,” saying the movie captures “the magic of classic 80s cartoons” with modern visuals, action, and nostalgia.
Nicholas Galitzine gets praise as He-Man
Nicholas Galitzine appears to be one of the biggest winners coming out of the first reactions.
Peter Gray said Galitzine “looks the part” as He-Man, but added that his comedic timing “steals the show.”
Rachel Leishman said Galitzine brings “a sweetness to Adam Glenn” that makes his take on He-Man memorable. Andrew J. Salazar also praised Galitzine, calling him “great” and saying the movie gets stronger once it finds its footing.
Law said the film made him “feel like a kid again” and praised the artists who brought Eternia to life, saying they “nailed the character designs.”
Jared Leto’s Skeletor is getting strong reactions
Jared Leto as Skeletor is also drawing attention, and the response sounds surprisingly strong.
Peter Gray said Leto “camps it up vocally” as Skeletor. Andrew J. Salazar said Skeletor is already “in contention for one of the most memorable villains of the year.”
Griffin Schiller went even further, saying Leto is “genuinely unrecognizable and very, VERY good” in the movie. Schiller also said Leto and Alison Brie understood the assignment and that Skeletor and Evil-Lyn “steal the whole damn thing.”
Junior Felix also praised Leto, saying Skeletor “NAILS IT.”
The movie sounds campy, weird, and family-friendly
The early reactions make it clear Masters of the Universe is not trying to be a grounded, serious reboot.
The movie is being described as campy, colorful, silly, and weird, but in a way that seems to be working for viewers who want a faithful He-Man adventure. Peter Gray called it “knowingly cartoonish” with “80s vibes” and said it is “slightly risqué, but mostly family-friendly fun.”
The Comic Nerd said the movie “knows what it is and leans HARD into it,” adding that problems and tired tropes are present, but the movie is “as He-Man as it gets.”
The Nerds of Color said Travis Knight “crafted a perfect Masters of the Universe,” calling it a love letter to the ’80s with a “heavy handed” message about masculinity.
Not every reaction is glowing
The response is mostly positive, but there are some reservations.
Germain Lussier said the movie has a “very fun, weird, yet enjoyable last 20 minutes or so,” but called the rest “a mess.” He said the movie has serious emotion, laughs, and fun, but it can also be awkward.
Brandon Norwood said the movie was “not for me,” though he added that fans will likely be “highly pleased.”
Andrew J. Salazar also said he was not initially vibing with the movie, but came around once it found its footing. He compared it to the first Thor, saying it struggles in the first half but improves once it leans into its themes of masculinity and ego.
Easter eggs and post-credit scenes teased
Fans may also want to stay through the credits.
Courtney Howard said Easter eggs are incorporated “with craft & care” and teased that viewers should “stay thru the credits.” She also praised Daniel Pemberton’s rock score, which includes an assist from Brian May.
The score is getting a lot of positive mentions overall. The Comic Nerd said, “Inject Daniel Pemberton’s score in my veins NOW.”
