Masters of the Universe, the new action film starring Nicholas Galitzine, Idris Elba, and Jared Leto, is now available to stream on Prime Video in the UK at no extra cost for subscribers. The film premiered in UK cinemas on June 5 and continues to screen in selected venues, despite becoming available for streaming on July 22.
Box office performance and Rotten Tomatoes score
According to Digital Spy, the production was deemed a box-office letdown after generating just over $110 million globally (approximately £82 million). The entertainment publication noted that had the film performed strongly at the box office, its streaming release may well have been postponed.
Despite its underwhelming cinema performance, the film has achieved a solid 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, providing fresh viewers with additional motivation to watch it.
What is Masters of the Universe about?
Masters of the Universe centres on Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine), who reconnects with the Sword of Power 15 years after becoming marooned on Earth. Upon returning to his home world of Eternia, now under the tyrannical rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto), Adam teams up with Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan (Idris Elba) to accept his fate as He-Man and fight to rescue his realm and those dear to him.
The He-Man and Masters of the Universe concept originated in the early 1980s as a Mattel toy designed to compete with the popularity of Star Wars action figures. The franchise rapidly grew with Filmation's successful animated series in 1983, transforming He-Man into one of the era's most recognisable pop culture heroes.
Critical and audience reviews
Awarding the film a perfect five out of five, one audience member enthused: "Masters of the Universe is a wonderful action film that consistently entertains." A further viewer added: "Very fun movie! Seems like an old MCU movie in its action, stakes, and humour." While a third remarked: "Good movie with a nod to the cartoon series brought back some good childhood memories."
Professional critics on the same platform were somewhat less generous. Randy Myers of the San Jose Mercury News commented: "It's got the right cast and the right director; now it just needs to surrender to its cheesy outrageousness." Tribune News Service's Katie Walsh added: "One only wishes they might have pushed the camp factor further, as it feels a bit restrained at times. However, it's Galitzine's performance that will win you over - he's truly got the power."
Masters of the Universe currently sits at the top spot in the UK on Prime Video, available to stream for subscribers at no additional charge.
