Prime Video's big-budget live-action revival of Masters of the Universe, starring Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam and Jared Leto as Skeletor, has become a significant hit on the streaming platform following a lackluster theatrical performance. Directed by Travis Knight, the $175 million film has climbed to the top of Prime Video's most-watched movies globally, according to data from FlixPatrol.
The movie adapts the classic He-Man mythology for a modern blockbuster audience. It follows Prince Adam, who flees Eternia as a child after Skeletor's conquest. Stranded on Earth for years, Adam eventually returns to his home world after reclaiming the Sword of Power, embracing his destiny as He-Man to fight Skeletor and liberate Eternia.
Reviews for the film were generally positive, with a 67% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and a stronger 86% audience score. Polygon's review described it as a "nearly perfect sci-fi fantasy epic," commending its vibrant and maximalist interpretation of Eternia. Despite its initial box office struggles, the film's substantial watch time on Prime Video, reportedly reaching 1.17 billion minutes in its first week, suggests a strong resurgence in viewer interest.
While a sequel seems improbable given the film's initial theatrical reception, its success on streaming opens the door for potential future installments. Amazon's considerable investment in fantasy content, such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, could lead them to revisit the Masters of the Universe franchise if the demand for content from Eternia continues. Director Travis Knight is currently attached to his next project, Wildwood.