Masters of the Universe seemingly had a lot going against it. It’s a fairly niche property whose prime fandom is likely composed of middle-aged individuals. It also had the misfortune of opening across from Scary Movie, which garnered hype from the return of the Wayans brothers and the return of irreverent humor. However, it’s not unheard of to have a silly-looking IP catch on and become a big box office success (like with Marvel’s gamble on Guradians of the Galaxy).
It was unfortunately not in the cards for Masters of the Universe as the big-budget film massively underperformed. However, as an Amazon MGM Studio film, it would get exclusive streaming play on Prime Video and according to The Hollywood Reporter, the Travis Knight tongue-in-cheek adaptation would make number 1 in its first week of streaming.
For the week of July 20 to July 26, Masters of the Universe accumulated 1.17 billion minutes of watch time and was one of two titles that had crossed the billion-minute threshold (with the other title being The Big Bang Theory on HBO Max). This release comes just weeks after its theatrical run. Many viewers could be following suit with our Mike Holtz in regretting not seeing it in theaters.
For those who remember, the original Austin Powers was a flop at the box office, but became a massive success on home video. Then, the sequel took down the much-hyped Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Although the plane of cinema has changed massively since then, could this kind of similar situation possibly decide the future for Masters of the Universe?
The film stars Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Charlotte Riley, Featuring Kristen Wiig as the voice of “Roboto” with Jared Leto and Idris Elba.
The official synopsis from Amazon MGM reads,
“In MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, Director Travis Knight brings the legendary franchise back to the big screen in this epic live-action adventure. After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe.”
Travis Knight, who has brought us Kubo and the Two Strings and Bumblebee, directed this film from a script by Chris Butler and Aaron Nee & Adam Nee & Dave Callaham. Aaron Nee & Adam Nee and Alex Litvak & Michael Finch are credited with coming up with the story.
Masters of the Universe has received a lot of positive reactions. Our own Chris Bumbray enjoyed it immensely, saying in his 8/10 review, “Even if it’s a one-off, Knight and Amazon MGM went all out, delivering an action spectacle that’s a lot more fun than many recent superhero movies. It contains plenty of humour and heart without ever going overboard on either. As it should be, it’s a hero’s quest story, and Nicholas Galitzine nails the part.”