View source for Masters of the Universe (1987 film)



{{Infobox film
| name           = Masters of the Universe
| image          = Masters of the universe.jpg
| alt            = Official poster of the film
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = [[Gary Goddard]]<ref>{{cite news|title= 'Masters' A Lesson In More Thrills For Less|newspaper= Chicago Tribune|date= August 13, 1987|url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/08/13/masters-a-lesson-in-more-thrills-for-less/|access-date= August 28, 2010|archive-date= July 7, 2012|archive-url= https://archive.today/20120707043144/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1987-08-13/features/8703010685_1_bill-stout-star-wars-gary-goddard/3|url-status= live}}</ref>
| producer       = [[Yoram Globus]]<br/>[[Menahem Golan]]
| writer         = [[David Odell]]
| based_on       = {{based on|[[Masters of the Universe]]||[[Mattel]]}}
| starring       = {{plainlist|<!--Per poster billing-->
* [[Dolph Lundgren]]
* [[Frank Langella]]
* [[Courteney Cox]]
* [[James Tolkan]]
* [[Christina Pickles]]
* [[Meg Foster]]
}}
| music          = [[Bill Conti]]
| cinematography = [[Hanania Baer]]
| editing        = [[Anne V. Coates]]
| studio         = [[The Cannon Group, Inc.]]
| distributor    = The Cannon Group, Inc.<ref name="Weekend Box Office">{{cite news|title= Weekend Box Office|work= [[The Los Angeles Times]]|date= August 11, 1987|url= https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-08-11-ca-819-story.html|access-date= November 17, 2010|archive-date= March 23, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220323183241/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-08-11-ca-819-story.html|url-status= live}}</ref>
| released       = {{Film date|1987|08|07}}
| runtime        = 106 minutes<ref name="Runtime">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/masters-universe-1970-2 |title=Masters of the Universe (1987) |publisher=[[British Board of Film Classification]]| work = bbfc.co.uk |date=September 16, 1987 |access-date=July 12, 2014| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140712200742/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/masters-universe-1970-2| archive-date =July 12, 2014 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
| country        = United States
| language       = English
| budget         = $22&nbsp;million<ref name=spy/>
| gross          = $17.3&nbsp;million<ref name="BOM">{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=mastersoftheuniverse.htm |title=Masters of the Universe| publisher=[[Amazon.com]] |work=Box Office Mojo |date=July 12, 2014 |access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406033501/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=mastersoftheuniverse.htm|archive-date=April 6, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
'''''Masters of the Universe''''' (stylized as '''''Masters of the Universe: The Motion Picture''''') is a 1987 American [[Sword and sorcery|sword and sorcery film]] based on the ''[[Masters of the Universe]]'' franchise by [[Mattel]]. The film was directed by [[Gary Goddard]], produced by [[Yoram Globus]] and [[Menahem Golan]], and written by [[David Odell]]. It stars [[Dolph Lundgren]], [[Frank Langella]], [[Courteney Cox]], [[James Tolkan]], [[Christina Pickles]], and [[Meg Foster]] with supporting roles by [[Billy Barty]], [[Jon Cypher]], [[Chelsea Field]], and [[Robert Duncan McNeill]]. The film follows two teenagers who meet [[He-Man]], the most powerful man in the universe, who travels to Earth with his friends, [[Man-At-Arms]] and [[Teela]], to stop their [[archenemy]], the evil [[Skeletor]] from obtaining a cosmic key that will enable him to take over their home planet [[Eternia]] and the entire universe.

While it is the first live action movie in the franchise, the very first He-Man/''Masters of The Universe'' movie was the animated ''[[The Secret of the Sword|He-Man and She-Ra: The Secret of the Sword]]'', released in theaters nationwide two years earlier in 1985.

''Masters of the Universe'' was released theatrically in the United States on August 7, 1987. It was a critical and [[Box-office bomb|commercial failure]], grossing $17&nbsp;million worldwide against a budget of $22&nbsp;million. At the time of release, it was met with negative reviews from film critics, but is now regarded as a [[cult film]]. [[Masters of the Universe (2026 film)|Another film adaptation]] is set to be released in 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/he-man-masters-of-the-universe-christopher-yost-writer-1201573946/|title='Thor: Ragnarok' Scribe to Pen 'Masters of the Universe' for Sony|last=Kroll|first=Justin|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=August 19, 2015|access-date=April 1, 2016|quote=spawned a movie... that subsequently became a cult hit|archive-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112043013/https://variety.com/2015/film/news/he-man-masters-of-the-universe-christopher-yost-writer-1201573946/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Masters Of The Universe: 15 Shocking Things You Didn't Know About The Movie |first=Leon |last=Miller |date=September 3, 2017 |url=https://screenrant.com/masters-of-the-universe-movie-shocking-trivia-facts-worst/ |quote=it's since gone on to become a cult classic |work=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=September 10, 2017 |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304045811/https://screenrant.com/masters-of-the-universe-movie-shocking-trivia-facts-worst/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://consequence.net/2017/04/believe-it-or-not-a-masters-of-the-universe-reboot-is-slated-for-a-2019-release/ |title=Believe it or not, a Masters of the Universe reboot is slated for a 2019 release |first=Randall |last=Colburnon |date=April 28, 2017 |work=[[Consequence of Sound]] |quote=the colossal flop turned campy cult classic that was 1987's ''Masters of the Universe'' |access-date=September 10, 2017 |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117213000/https://consequence.net/2017/04/believe-it-or-not-a-masters-of-the-universe-reboot-is-slated-for-a-2019-release/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Plot==
On the planet [[Eternia]], the warlord [[Skeletor]] seizes control of [[Castle Grayskull]], the center of power in the universe. His army scatters the remaining Eternian defenders and captures the [[Sorceress of Castle Grayskull|Sorceress of Grayskull]], imprisoning her within a power-draining field and planning to seize power over the entire universe by the next moonrise. Skeletor's archenemies—the warrior leader [[He-Man]], veteran soldier [[Man-At-Arms]], and his daughter [[Teela]]—rescue Thenurian locksmith [[Gwildor]] from Skeletor's troopers. Gwildor invented a "Cosmic Key" that can open a portal to anywhere by using musical notes, which was stolen by Skeletor's second-in-command [[Evil-Lyn]] allowing Skeletor to breach Castle Grayskull.

With Gwildor's remaining prototype of the Key, He-Man and his friends breach the Castle. They attempt to free the Sorceress, but are overwhelmed by Skeletor's army and forced to flee to Earth through a portal opened by Gwildor's Cosmic Key. The Key is lost upon their arrival and discovered by two California teenagers—orphaned high-school graduate [[List of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe characters#Movie characters|Julie Winston]] and her boyfriend, aspiring musician [[List of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe characters#Movie characters|Kevin Corrigan]]. While experimenting with the device, they accidentally transmit a signal. Tracking it, Evil-Lyn sends Skeletor's henchmen [[Saurod]], [[Blade (Masters of the Universe)|Blade]], the [[Beast Man|Beastman]] and [[Karg (Masters of the Universe)|Karg]] to recover the device.

Kevin believes the Key to be a new synthesizer and takes it to a music store run by his friend Charlie. At the school, Skeletor's henchmen arrive through a portal and chase Julie, who is rescued by He-Man while he and his companions search for the Key. The henchmen retreat to Grayskull where, incensed by their failure, Skeletor vaporizes Saurod and sends the others back to Earth, with a larger force under Evil-Lyn's command. Kevin returns to the school to find police investigating the damage caused by Skeletor's men, and no sign of Julie. Kevin is taken to Julie's house by Hugh Lubic, a detective investigating the disturbance. They find no trace of Julie, but Lubic is suspicious of the Key, which he suspects Kevin may have stolen. He confiscates it and leaves for Charlie's store to verify Kevin's story. Evil-Lyn and her team break into the house and interrogate Kevin regarding the Key's location using a mind-control collar, before pursuing Lubic.

Julie and the Eternians arrive and release Kevin from the collar, then pursue Lubic and the Key. They arrive at Charlie's store, but Skeletor's forces intercept them and a battle ensues. Evil-Lyn recovers the Key and summons Skeletor to Earth. Skeletor's forces capture the Eternians and wound Julie, which simultaneously erases the memory storage of Gwildor's Key. He-Man surrenders to save his comrades and is returned to Eternia as Skeletor's slave. Skeletor attempts to torture He-Man into submission to make his victory complete, but He-Man refuses to yield. The moment arrives for Skeletor to receive the power of the cosmos and declare himself the Master of the Universe.

On Earth, Gwildor repairs the Key, and Kevin re-creates the tones necessary to create a gateway to Eternia. The group, including Lubic as he attempts to arrest them, are transported to Castle Grayskull and begin battling Skeletor's forces. Resenting that Skeletor absorbed the power of the universe without sharing it with her, Evil-Lyn orders Karg to sound the retreat. He-Man retrieves the Sword of Grayskull and shatters Skeletor's staff in a duel, restoring the latter to his normal state. He-Man offers mercy, but Skeletor draws a concealed sword and attempts to kill him. To stop him, He-Man knocks Skeletor into a pit below to his apparent death. The freed Sorceress heals Julie, and Gwildor opens a portal to send the Earthlings home. Hailed as a hero for his bravery, Lubic decides to remain on Eternia.

Julie awakens on the morning of her parents' deaths in a plane crash. Realizing the Key transported her back in time, she prevents her parents from taking the ill-fated flight. Kevin later confirms to her that their experiences were real, producing a souvenir from Eternia: a sphere containing a scene of He-Man with his sword in front of Castle Grayskull.

In the [[post-credits scene]], Skeletor's head emerges from the water in the pit saying "I'll be back!"

==Cast==
{{main|List of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe characters}}
[[File:Frank Langella Deauville 2012.jpg|upright|thumb|[[Frank Langella]] in 2012. Langella chose to portray Skeletor because of his son's love of the character.]]
<!--Order per end credits-->
{{div col}}
* [[Dolph Lundgren]] as [[He-Man]], the champion of Eternia
* [[Frank Langella]] as [[Skeletor]], the leader of the Evil Warriors and He-Man's archenemy
* [[Meg Foster]] as [[Evil-Lyn]], a witch who is a member of the Evil Warriors
* [[Billy Barty]] as [[Gwildor]], a Thenurian who invented the Cosmic Key
* [[Courteney Cox]] as Julie Winston, a teenager on Earth who finds the Cosmic Key
* [[Robert Duncan McNeill]] as Kevin Corrigan, a teenager and friend of Julie who finds the Cosmic Key
* [[Jon Cypher]] as [[Man-At-Arms]], an ally of He-Man
* [[Chelsea Field]] as [[Teela]], the daughter of Man-At-Arms and ally of He-Man
* [[James Tolkan]] as Hugh Lubic, a detective that has his encounters with the Eternians
* [[Christina Pickles]] as [[Sorceress of Castle Grayskull|Sorceress]], the protector of Castle Grayskull
* Tony Carroll as the [[Beast Man|Beastman]], an animalistic member of the Evil Warriors who makes animalistic sounds
* [[Pons Maar]] as [[Saurod]], a [[Reptilian humanoid|lizard man]] member of the Evil Warriors
* [[Anthony De Longis]] as [[Blade (Masters of the Universe)|Blade]], a sword-wielding member of the Evil Warriors who wears an eyepatch
* [[Robert Towers]] as [[Karg (Masters of the Universe)|Karg]], a bat-like member of the Evil Warriors who commands Skeletor's soldiers and interprets for Beast Man
* [[Barry Livingston]] as Charlie
* [[Gwynne Gilford]] as Mrs. Winston, the mother of Julie
* Walter Scott as Mr. Winston, the father of Julie
* Walt P. Robles as Carl, the janitor
* Cindi Eyman as Gloria
* Peter Brooks as the narrator
* Richard Szponder as Pigboy, a member of the Evil Warriors with a pig-like face who gives Skeletor his staff
{{div col end}}

==Production==
===Development and writing===
The ''[[Masters of the Universe]]'' toyline started in 1982, which was then followed up by the television series ''[[He-Man and the Masters of the Universe]]'' from 1983 to 1985. The first theatrically released film to star [[He-Man]] and feature ''Masters of the Universe'' characters ''[[The Secret of the Sword]]'' was released in 1985. Work then started on producing a live action ''Masters of the Universe'' film. One of the original drafts from the script by [[David Odell]] (whose previous writing credits include ''[[Supergirl (1984 film)|Supergirl]]'' and ''[[The Dark Crystal]]'') was reviewed in the third episode of the He-Man and [[She-Ra]] podcast, ''Masters Cast''. The original draft included more time spent on Eternia and Snake Mountain, had Beast Man in a speaking role, and revealed that He-Man's mother was originally from Earth, like the character Queen Marlena from the [[Filmation]] animated series ''[[He-Man and the Masters of the Universe]]'', thus linking the two planets.<ref>{{cite news|title= Episode 3|publisher= Masters Cast|url= http://masterscast.com/podcasts/masterscast_ep003.mp3|access-date= July 23, 2012|archive-date= July 14, 2011|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110714044402/http://masterscast.com/podcasts/masterscast_ep003.mp3|url-status= live}}</ref>

Describing her character, [[Meg Foster]] said [[Evil-Lyn]] is not villainous, "she is just doing her job and she knows how to get results, even if it means being harsh". [[Frank Langella]] agreed, calling her a female more dedicated to [[Skeletor]]'s cause than any man; she is obsessive around him because she loves him.{{Sfn|SFX|2013|p=84}} The filmmakers considered having Foster wear contact lenses to mask her naturally pale blue eyes, but decided they fit the character better. They augmented her chest, fitting cleavage into the costume. She wanted Evil-Lyn to have a long hairstyle, rather than the short style featured in the film; [[Mattel]] objected, considering it too far a departure from the toy.{{Sfn|SFX|2013|p=85}}

When offered the role, Langella said that he "didn't even blink ... I couldn't wait to play him". He cited his then-four-year-old son Frank III's love of Skeletor while running around his house yelling He-Man's battle cry "I have the power!" as the reason he played He-Man's archenemy.<ref name="IFCLangella">{{cite web|url=http://www.ifc.com/fix/2012/08/frank-langella-skeletor-masters-of-the-universe |title=Frank Langella calls Skeletor "one of my very favorite parts" | publisher=[[IFC (American TV network)|IFC]] |first=Rick |last=Marshall |date=August 7, 2012|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510193652/http://www.ifc.com/fix/2012/08/frank-langella-skeletor-masters-of-the-universe|archive-date=May 10, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Filming===
According to director [[Gary Goddard]],<ref>{{citation |title= Masters of the Universe DVD commentary}}</ref> Mattel caused problems for the production crew by not paying their half of the production budget on time. A member of staff was forced to put lens caps on cameras on several shooting days, to prevent any more filming from taking place. Due to the production running out of budget, Goddard had to finance the filming of the battle scene between He-Man and Skeletor himself. Only Lundgren and Langella were present along with a skeleton crew, with the set's lighting made dark to emphasize the actors' presence.

Mattel was also initially very controlling over how He-Man was depicted in the film, insisting that the character could not appear doing anything morally wrong (such as swearing or killing). Sales of He-Man toys dipped in the middle of production, after which Goddard noted that Mattel relaxed their rules and allowed the director to have more liberties with the character.

During filming, Mattel held a contest for children for a chance to appear in the film.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.motumovie.com/2010/06/q-with-richard-szponder-pigboy.html | title=Q & A with Richard Szponder (Pigboy)! | access-date=November 28, 2021 | archive-date=November 28, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128190024/http://www.motumovie.com/2010/06/q-with-richard-szponder-pigboy.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Richard Szponder won the competition, but his victory was announced as filming was nearing completion. All the scenes taking place on Earth had been shot, so Goddard cast Szponder as the minion character Pigboy, who holds Skeletor's staff as he returns to [[Castle Grayskull|Grayskull]].

Two sound stages needed to be connected to film the interior of Castle Grayskull, with matte paintings filling in the pits of the central walk-way. Unhappy with [[Dolph Lundgren]]'s reading of He-Man's dialogue, Goddard initially planned to have Lundgren's dialogue dubbed over by another actor, but was not permitted to do so due to contractual reasons. Lundgren's dialogue was subsequently re-recorded and dubbed over the original footage to better meet Goddard's standards. Langella told the press he loved playing Skeletor and worked very hard to make the role as exciting as possible, remarking that it was a positive experience.<ref>{{cite book |last=Baer |first=Brian C. |title=How He-Man Mastered the Universe: Toy to Television to the Big Screen |publisher=McFarland Publishing |year=2017 |location=North Carolina}}</ref>

Director Gary Goddard has revealed that the original cut featured a longer and emotional farewell scene inspired by ''[[The Wizard of Oz]]'' where Julie Winston ([[Courteney Cox]]) had individual lines with each Eternian. The studio demanded the scene be tightened up, but the footage still exists.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClYo1swGef0 |title=Masters Of The Universe 1987 Movie Power-Con 2012 Panel With Meg Foster & Anthony De Longis |date=September 27, 2012 |last=SEAN LONG |access-date=June 16, 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

===Jack Kirby inspiration===
Comic book writer/artist [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]] compared the film to [[Jack Kirby]]'s comic book [[metaseries]] ''[[Jack Kirby's Fourth World|Fourth World]]'', stating in ''[[Comic Shop News]]'' #497:

{{blockquote|The '''best''' ''[[New Gods]]'' movie, IMHO, is ''Masters of the Universe''. I even corresponded with the director, who told me this was his intent, and that he had tried to get [Jack] Kirby to do the production designs, but the studio nixed it.

Check it out. It requires some bending and an occasional sex change ([[Metron (character)|Metron]] becomes an ugly dwarf, The [[Highfather]] becomes the Sorceress), but it's an amazingly close analog, otherwise. And Frank Langella's Skeletor is a '''dandy''' [[Darkseid]]!}}

Director Gary Goddard clarified this in a letter appearing in ''[[John Byrne's Next Men]]'' No. 26, in which he stated:

{{blockquote|As the director of ''Masters of the Universe'', it was a pleasure to see that someone got it. Your comparison of the film to Kirby's ''New Gods'' was not far off. In fact, the storyline was greatly inspired by the classic [[Fantastic Four]]/[[Doctor Doom]] epics, ''The New Gods'' and a bit of [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]] thrown in here and there. I intended the film to be a "motion picture comic book," though it was a tough proposition to sell to the studio at the time. 'Comics are just for kids,' they thought. They would not allow me to hire Jack Kirby who I desperately wanted to be the conceptual artist for the picture...

I grew up with Kirby's comics (I've still got all my Marvels from the first issue of ''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|Fantastic Four]]'' and ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man|Spider-Man]]'' through the time Kirby left) and I had great pleasure meeting him when he first moved to California. Since that time I enjoyed the friendship of Jack and Roz and was lucky enough to spend many hours with Jack, hearing how he created this character and that one, why a villain has to be even more powerful than a hero, and on and on. Jack was a great communicator, and listening to him was always an education. You might be interested to know that I tried to dedicate ''Masters of Universe'' to Jack Kirby in the closing credits, but the studio took the credit out.}}

Brian Cronin, author of the "Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed" column, concludes that "the film itself was not intended to be literally a reworked [[Fourth World (comics)|Fourth World]], although the intent WAS to make the film a tribute to Jack Kirby—just a tribute to ALL of his work, not just the Fourth World."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-75/|title=Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #75|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=November 2, 2006|access-date=June 9, 2020|archive-date=June 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609145018/https://www.cbr.com/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-75/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Music ==
The [[Film score|musical score]] of ''Masters of the Universe'' was composed by [[Bill Conti]]. It was recorded by several European orchestras, chiefly the Graunke Orchestra of [[Munich]] (the only one to be credited on the soundtrack album) and conducted by a number of conductors, chiefly Bruce Miller and [[Harry Rabinowitz]] (Rabinowitz received sole credit). Conti did not conduct his score because it could not be recorded in the United States as "there was a musicians strike or something like that ... So it went to various places." He and score mixer [[Dan Wallin]] assembled the score from the various recorded takes, because there were problems with the orchestral performances.<ref>"Bill Conti's Music of the Universe," pg. 8, liner notes, ''Masters of the Universe: Complete Original Motion Picture Soundtrack,'' La-La Land Records LLLCD 1071.</ref>

==Release==
===Home media===
The soundtrack album was released on record, cassette, and compact disc by [[Varèse Sarabande]] in 1987; it was subsequently issued in an expanded version by Edel. In 2008, La-La Land Records released a two-disc edition with the complete score and the original album presentation; in 2012, [[Intrada Records]] issued the complete score (the entirely of disc one and tracks 1–5 on disc two) on one disc. ''Masters of the Universe'' was released on DVD October 23, 2001. A 25th Anniversary Edition [[Blu-ray]] was released by [[Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment|Warner Home Video]] on October 2, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wbshop.com/product/masters+of+the+universe+25th+anniversary+bd+1000324036.do?ref=CAFRGL&CAWELAID=1392626993&gclid=COiGnImnxLACFYeo4AodHTkAWw |title=Masters Of The Universe: 25th Anniversary (BD) &#124; WBshop.com &#124; Warner Bros |publisher=Wbshop.com |access-date=July 24, 2012 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714160025/http://www.wbshop.com/product/masters+of+the+universe+25th+anniversary+bd+1000324036.do?ref=CAFRGL&CAWELAID=1392626993&gclid=COiGnImnxLACFYeo4AodHTkAWw |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==
===Box office===
Prior to releasing the film, [[The Cannon Group, Inc.|The Cannon Group]] touted ''Masters of the Universe'' as the ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' of the 1980s. Despite releasing alongside the height of the success of the toy line, animated series and related merchandise, ''Masters of the Universe'' began as the third-highest-grossing film of the weekend in North America on August 7, 1987, earning $4,883,168, behind ''[[Stakeout (1987 film)|Stakeout]]'' ($5,170,403) and ''[[The Living Daylights]]'' ($7,706,230). It quickly left the charts, with a North American gross of $17,336,370.{{Sfn|SFX|2013|p=82}}<ref name="Weekend Box Office"/><ref name="BOM"/><ref name="BOMWeekend">{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=1987&wknd=32&p=.htm |title=August 7–9, 1987| publisher=[[Amazon.com]] |work=Box Office Mojo |date=July 12, 2014 |access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403180241/http://boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=1987&wknd=32&p=.htm|archive-date=April 3, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The film was released in the Philippines by [[Solar Entertainment|Solar Films]] on September 10, 1987.<ref>{{cite news|title=Grand Opening Today: A Super Roadshow Presentation|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19870910&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|access-date=December 30, 2018|work=[[Manila Standard]]|publisher=Standard Publishing, Inc.|date=September 10, 1987|page=10|format=DWKC 93.9 FM the official radio station of "Masters of the Universe"|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128004622/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19870910&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Critical response===
{{Rotten Tomatoes prose|score=21|average=3.6|count=29|consensus=''Masters of the Universe'' is a slapdash adaptation of the He-Man mythos that can't overcome its cynical lack of raison d'etre, no matter how admirably Frank Langella throws himself into the role of Skeletor.|ref=|access-date={{RT data|access date}}}}<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/masters_of_the_universe/ | title=Masters of the Universe | work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | publisher=[[Flixster]] | access-date=December 15, 2023 | archive-date=November 30, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130073622/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/masters_of_the_universe/ | url-status=live }}</ref> {{Metacritic film prose|35|10|access-date=July 20, 2025}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/masters-of-the-universe|title=Masters of the Universe (1987) reviews|work=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=April 4, 2020|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308174233/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/masters-of-the-universe|url-status=live}}</ref> 

''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' called it a "''[[Conan the Barbarian (1982 film)|Conan]]''-''Star Wars'' hybrid ripoff" that is "a colossal bore."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1986/film/reviews/masters-of-the-universe-1200427185/|title=Review: 'Masters of the Universe'|author=<!-- Staff -->|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|year=1987|access-date=September 3, 2015|archive-date=November 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126051035/https://variety.com/1986/film/reviews/masters-of-the-universe-1200427185/|url-status=live}}</ref> Walter Goodman of ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote, "If you liked the toy, you'll love the movie."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9B0DEEDB1238F93BA3575BC0A961948260|title=Masters of the Universe (1987)|last=Goodman|first=Walter|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=August 8, 1987|access-date=September 3, 2015|archive-date=March 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307040001/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9B0DEEDB1238F93BA3575BC0A961948260|url-status=live}}</ref> Michael Wilmington of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' called it "a misfiring, underdone epic."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-08-12-ca-349-story.html|title=Movie Review : 'Masters Of The Universe' Misfires|last=Wilmington|first=Michael|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=August 12, 1987|access-date=September 3, 2015|archive-date=January 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111111054/http://articles.latimes.com/1987-08-12/entertainment/ca-349_1_movie-masters-universe|url-status=live}}</ref> Johanna Steinmetz of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' wrote that the film, while predictable and derivative, entertains audiences through its side plots set on Earth.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/08/12/surprise-masters-isnt-bad/|title=Surprise! 'Masters' Isn't Bad|last=Steinmetz|first=Johanna|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=August 12, 1987|access-date=September 3, 2015|archive-date=September 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904200048/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1987-08-12/features/8703010319_1_he-man-gwildor-universe|url-status=live}}</ref>

Several reviewers praised Frank Langella's portrayal of Skeletor, including Rose DeWolf in the ''[[Philadelphia Daily News]]'' (though saying his costume looked like a [[Halloween costume|Halloween mask]])<ref>{{Cite news |last=DeWolf |first=Rose |date=August 10, 1987 |title=A Couple of "S" Words Earn a 'PG' for this Kiddie Flick |work=[[Philadelphia Daily News]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108254254/he-man-masters-of-the-universe-review/ |access-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824231058/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108254254/he-man-masters-of-the-universe-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Roger Hulburt of the ''[[South Florida Sun Sentinel]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hulburt |first=Roger |date=August 11, 1987 |title=Too much villain, too little hero |work=[[South Florida Sun Sentinel]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108254724/he-man-masters-of-the-universe-film/ |access-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824231058/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108254724/he-man-masters-of-the-universe-film/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In a retrospective review, Glenn Heath Jr. of ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' called it a "jarring mix of corny screwball comedy and choppy action heroics."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/house/article/summer-of-87-masters-of-the-universe-heman-voice-of-reason|title=Summer of '87: Masters of the Universe: He-Man, Voice of Reason|last=Heath|first=Glenn|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|date=July 29, 2012|access-date=September 3, 2015|archive-date=January 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113124338/http://www.slantmagazine.com/house/article/summer-of-87-masters-of-the-universe-heman-voice-of-reason|url-status=live}}</ref> Chris Eggertsen of [[HitFix]], in an article identifying the film's campy, positive qualities, called it "an objectively bad film with a big heart."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hitfix.com/news/13-things-to-admire-about-1987s-masters-of-the-universe|title='Masters of the Universe' wasn't all bad: 13 things to actually admire about the 1987 flop|last=Eggertson|first=Chris|work=[[HitFix]]|date=August 25, 2015|access-date=September 3, 2015|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905080837/http://www.hitfix.com/news/13-things-to-admire-about-1987s-masters-of-the-universe|url-status=live}}</ref> Joshua Winning of ''[[Digital Spy]]'' wrote, "...beloved of '80s kids but scorned by critics, it's a high camp oddity that we should celebrate on its own terms."<ref name=spy>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/feature/a644894/in-defense-of-masters-of-the-universe-dolph-lundgrens-fantasy-flop.html#~pnhhRWm2Ze61hl|title=In Defense Of... Masters of the Universe, Dolph Lundgren's fantasy flop|last=Winning|first=Joshua|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=May 3, 2015|access-date=September 3, 2015|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924004331/http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/feature/a644894/in-defense-of-masters-of-the-universe-dolph-lundgrens-fantasy-flop.html#~pnhhRWm2Ze61hl|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Accolades===
The film was nominated for [[Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film|Best Science Fiction Film]], [[Saturn Award for Best Costume Design|Best Costumes]] ([[Julie Weiss]]) and [[Saturn Award for Best Special Effects|Best Special Effects]] ([[Richard Edlund]]) at the [[15th Saturn Awards]], where Gary Goddard also received a special Silver Scroll Award for Outstanding Achievement.<ref>{{Cite news |title='Robocop' Leads In Nominations For Saturn Awards |url=https://apnews.com/article/257c16842e0d9a9995b32b7fa52b0058 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001150613/https://apnews.com/article/257c16842e0d9a9995b32b7fa52b0058 |archive-date=October 1, 2022 |access-date=2025-12-03 |work=AP NEWS |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref> At the 1988 [[Fantasporto]] Festival, the film was nominated for Best Film and won Best Special Effects. [[Billy Barty]] was nominated for a [[Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor]] for the film at the [[8th Golden Raspberry Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Razzies.com - Home of the Golden Raspberry Award Foundation |url=http://razzies.com/asp/content/XcNewsPlus.asp?cmd=view&articleid=27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140501200426/http://razzies.com/asp/content/XcNewsPlus.asp?cmd=view&articleid=27 |archive-date=2014-05-01 |access-date=2025-12-03 |website=razzies.com}}</ref>

===Legacy===
The commercial failure of ''Masters of the Universe'', among other films such as ''[[Superman IV: The Quest for Peace]]'' and ''[[Lifeforce (film)|Lifeforce]]'', contributed to the eventual closure of Cannon Films.{{Sfn|SFX|2013|p=85}} ''Masters of the Universe'' was Lundgren's first leading role in a feature film following his success in ''[[Rocky IV]]'' and he later labeled it as his least favorite film role.{{Sfn|SFX|2013|p=84}} Conversely, Langella considers Skeletor one of his favorite roles.<ref name="IFCLangella"/>

Skeletor's question to He-Man ("Tell me about the loneliness of good, He-Man. Is it equal to the loneliness of evil?") is slightly reworded in the ''Injustice vs. Masters of the Universe'', a comic crossover with the ''[[Injustice (franchise)|Injustice]]'' franchise.<ref>''Injustice vs. Masters of the Universe'' No. 4 (October 2018)</ref>

Gwildor, a character created for ''Masters of the Universe'' as a replacement for [[Orko (character)|Orko]] due to the complexity of the character to make in live action and portrayed by Barty, was featured in 2024's ''[[Masters of the Universe (TV series)|Masters of the Universe: Revolution]]'' voiced by Ted Biaselli. In it he serves much of the same role of inventor as he does in the film, and also poses as a foil to Orko ([[Griffin Newman]]).

== Canceled sequel ==
In 1987, Globus announced a sequel, ''Masters of the Universe 2'', at the [[1987 Cannes Film Festival]].<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Lambie |first=Ryan |date=September 17, 2019 |title=How Masters of the Universe 2 and a Spider-Man Movie Became Cyborg |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/how-masters-of-the-universe-2-and-a-spider-man-movie-became-cyborg/ |access-date=August 25, 2025 |website=[[Den of Geek]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Despite Lundgren's refusal to reprise the role—reportedly because he disliked the first film and instead chose to star in Cannon's ''[[Red Scorpion]]'' (1989)—the project moved forward with surfer [[Laird Hamilton]] cast as his replacement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bricken |first=Rob |date=August 11, 2014 |title=12 Insane Facts About He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe |url=https://gizmodo.com/12-insane-facts-about-he-man-and-the-masters-of-the-uni-1619470015 |access-date=August 25, 2025 |website=[[Gizmodo]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":02"/> Director [[Albert Pyun]] was attached to the project, having also been linked to Cannon's planned [[Spider-Man]] adaptation, with both films reportedly set to have budgets of $2&nbsp;million.<ref name=":02" /> However, due to Cannon's financial troubles after the box-office failures of the first ''Masters'' film and ''Superman IV'' (1987), the company refused to pay Mattel the [[Royalty payment|royalties]] for the use of the characters. Mattel, moreover, was not pleased with the sequel's script, and the whole project was canceled. The film rights thus reverted to Mattel. To avoid wasting the sets and costumes already prepared for the sequel (and for an unmade Spider-Man film), Cannon produced a small, low-budget movie starring [[Jean-Claude Van Damme]], which they titled ''[[Cyborg (film)|Cyborg]]'' (1989).<ref name=":02" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cronin |first=Brian |date=January 30, 2013 |title=Movie Legends Revealed: He-Man & Spider-Man Films Became Cyborg? |url=https://www.cbr.com/movie-legends-revealed-he-man-spider-man-films-became-cyborg/ |access-date=August 25, 2025 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref>

== Reboot ==
{{Main|Masters of the Universe (2026 film)}}

From the 1990s through the 2020s, rumors of a possible [[Reboot (fiction)|reboot]] circulated several times, including one allegedly involving [[John Woo]], though these were never confirmed. In 2007, however, ''Variety'' reported that [[Warner Bros.]], producer [[Joel Silver]] and screenwriter [[Justin Marks]] were developing a potential film featuring updated characters and a visual style similar to ''[[300 (film)|300]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fleming |first=Michael |date=May 23, 2007 |title=He-Man returns to big screen |url=http://variety.com/article/VR1117965714.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208101358/http://variety.com/article/VR1117965714.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 |archive-date=February 8, 2009 |access-date=August 26, 2025 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en}}</ref> But these and later projects repeatedly stalled, leaving the new film trapped in [[Development hell#In film|development hell]].

In January 2019, it was reported that [[Art Marcum and Matt Holloway]] would rewrite the reboot screenplay. On February 13, 2019, [[Aaron and Adam Nee]] were chosen as directors for a film to be produced by [[Sony Pictures]], with [[principal photography]] scheduled to begin in mid-July 2019 in [[Prague]]. On March 20, 2019, [[Noah Centineo]] was cast as He-Man.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=March 20, 2019 |title=Noah Centineo to Play He-Man in 'Masters of the Universe' Reboot |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/noah-centineo-he-man-masters-of-the-universe-1203168621/ |access-date=August 25, 2025 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> However, the actor dropped out of the role on April 29, 2021, after more than two years with no updates on the project, despite its original release date having been set for March 5 of that year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fiduccia |first=Christopher |date=April 29, 2021 |title=Masters of the Universe Star Loses He-Man Actor Noah Centineo |url=https://screenrant.com/masters-universe-movie-noah-centineo-he-man-exit/ |access-date=August 25, 2025 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref> In June 2021, rumors began to circulate of a new film to be produced and distributed by [[Netflix]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McKay |first=Faith |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Exclusive: Masters Of The Universe Live-Action Movie In The Works At Netflix |url=https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/ent/exclusive-masters-of-the-universe.html |access-date=August 25, 2025 |website=GIANT FREAKIN ROBOT |language=en-US}}</ref> The news was confirmed in January 2022: the Nee brothers would direct, and [[Kyle Allen (actor)|Kyle Allen]] was cast as Adam/He-Man.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Galuppo |first=Mia |date=January 28, 2022 |title='Masters of the Universe' Movie Lands at Netflix, Kyle Allen Set as Lead |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/masters-of-the-universe-movienetflix-kyle-allen-1235083394/ |access-date=August 25, 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> This project, too, was ultimately canceled in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peralta |first=Diego |date=July 19, 2023 |title='Masters of the Universe' Movie Officially Cancelled at Netflix |url=https://collider.com/masters-of-the-universe-movie-cancelled-netflix/ |access-date=August 25, 2025 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref> 

In 2024, a new film was announced as a reboot of the 1987 Cannon version, this time produced by [[Amazon MGM Studios]] and [[Mattel Films]], directed by [[Travis Knight]], with British actor [[Nicholas Galitzine (actor)|Nicholas Galitzine]] starring as He-Man. The worldwide release is scheduled for June 5, 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Galuppo |first=Mia |date=May 2, 2024 |title=Live-Action 'Masters of the Universe' Movie Gets Theatrical Release Date |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/masters-universe-movie-theatrical-release-date-1235888303/ |access-date=August 25, 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Tasha |date=December 8, 2025 |title=Bring back the coolest animated series (and coolest animated sword) of 1981 |url=https://www.polygon.com/80s-cartoon-reboot-blackstar-star-wars-he-man/ |access-date=January 2, 2026 |website=Polygon |language=en}}</ref>

== See also ==

* ''[[Masters of the Universe: The Movie]]'', a video game based on the film.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite journal|date=November 2013|title=Masters of the Universe|journal=[[SFX (magazine)|SFX]]|issue=240|pages=82–85|publisher=[[Future plc]]|ref={{harvid|SFX|2013}}}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0093507}}
* {{Mojo title|mastersoftheuniverse1987}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|masters_of_the_universe_1987}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClYo1swGef0 Power Con 2012, MOTU 1987 Panel]
{{Masters of the Universe}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Masters of the Universe (1987 film)}}
[[Category:1987 American films]]
[[Category:1987 English-language films]]
[[Category:1980s fantasy adventure films]]
[[Category:1987 adventure films]]
[[Category:1980s films about time travel]]
[[Category:1980s superhero films]]
[[Category:1987 films]]
[[Category:1987 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:1987 science fiction films]]
[[Category:American fantasy adventure films]]
[[Category:American science fantasy films]]
[[Category:American superhero films]]
[[Category:American sword and sorcery films]]
[[Category:English-language action films]]
[[Category:English-language fantasy adventure films]]
[[Category:English-language science fantasy films]]
[[Category:Films about alien visitations]]
[[Category:Films about orphans]]
[[Category:Films about parallel universes]]
[[Category:Films about witchcraft]]
[[Category:Films adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Films based on Mattel toys]]
[[Category:Films based on television series]]
[[Category:Films directed by Gary Goddard]]
[[Category:Films produced by Menahem Golan]]
[[Category:Films produced by Yoram Globus]]
[[Category:Films scored by Bill Conti]]
[[Category:Films set in 1986]]
[[Category:Films set in 1987]]
[[Category:Films set in castles]]
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[[Category:Films with screenplays by David Odell]]
[[Category:Golan-Globus films]]
[[Category:Live-action films based on animated series]]
[[Category:Masters of the Universe]]
[[Category:Saturn Award–winning films]]
[[Category:Sword and sorcery films]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Masters of the Universe (1987 film)|access_date=2026-03-04}}