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Masters of the Universe's reign at the summer box office has ended. The '80s toy-box barbarian didn't exactly conquer the crowded blockbuster marketplace, but critics were largely pleased with what they saw. Now, you'll be able to see the adventure unfold in the comfort of your home...and it'll happen sooner than you think.
An adaptation of the 1980s toy line, cartoon, and comic books, Masters of the Universe was directed by Travis Knight (Bumblebee) after decades spent in Development Hell; the final script was penned by Knight's frequent collaborator Chris Butler, after previous drafts by Adam and Aaron Nee and David Callaham. The news comes after a somewhat disappointing box office run; the film debuted at #2, behind Scary Movie, and ended up grossing $113 million USD on a reported $170 million budget. However, critics were warmer to it than might be expected, as it landed with a 68% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes: in her review, Collider's Victoria Luxford called it "a good time if you leave your cynicism at the door." You'll soon be able to see for yourself, as the movie will stream on Prime Video starting this Wednesday, July 22.
What Is 'Masters of the Universe' About?
Nicholas Galitzine stars as Adam Glenn, an office drone who dreams of his past life as prince of the techno-magical planet Eternia. While everyone dismisses his fantasies as delusions, they prove to be all too real when rebel warrior Teela (Camila Mendes) comes to Earth to usher him back home, with his magical Power Sword in tow. However, his homeworld isn't as he remembers it; his parents (James Purefoy and Charlotte Riley) are in chains, the stalwart captain of the guards, Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba) is a mournful drunk, and the ruined world is ruled over by the mad warlock Skeletor (Jared Leto), his wicked witch Evil-Lyn (Alison Brie), and their gruesome army of pug-uglies. The only thing that can save Eternia now is if Adam can call upon the power of Grayskull and become the legendary warrior He-Man...and even that may not be enough.
Despite its disappointing box office, Masters of the Universe strongly sets up a sequel with its credits scenes, teasing not only the return of Skeletor but the arrival of an extremely important character in the MOTU mythos. Only time will tell if the movie has enough of a second life on streaming to convince Amazon MGM Studios to take another journey to Eternia.
Masters of the Universe will stream on Prime Video starting on July 22. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.
