Masters of the Universe Took 17 Years to Get Made

By The Backlot

@backlotfriends

A lone warrior in full battle armor holds a glowing sword aloft into lightning and swirling smoke inside a massive stone castle arena.

Netflix spent $30 million on Masters of the Universe and cancelled it. That was 2023.

The film that got made came from Amazon MGM. New director: Travis Knight, who made Kubo and the Two Strings. New He-Man: Nicholas Galitzine, replacing Noah Centineo. And Jared Leto as Skeletor. Leto didn't wait to be cast. He went to the studio himself because he wanted the role.

The property spent 17 years in development. Sony had it first in 2009. Then Netflix. Now Amazon.

Dolph Lundgren, the original He-Man from the 1987 film, has a cameo. The cast also includes Idris Elba, Alison Brie, and Camila Mendes.

People on Backlot are watching it this month. If you want something to pair with it, the 1987 original is worth your night.

Quick Facts

Masters of the Universe Took 17 Years to Get Made

DirectorTravis Knight

CastNicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, Jared Leto, Alison Brie

GenreAction, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Release2026-06-03

Runtime141 min

Rated7.3/10

Instagram caption

Netflix spent $30 million on Masters of the Universe and cancelled it. The version that got made has Dolph Lundgren in it. #MastersOfTheUniverse #Backlot

X caption

Netflix spent $30M on Masters of the Universe then cancelled it. Amazon finished it. Dolph Lundgren cameos as the original He-Man. #MastersOfTheUniverse #Backlot

Netflix spent $30 million on Masters of the Universe and cancelled it. That was 2023.

The property spent 17 years in development. Sony had it first in 2009. Then Netflix. Now Amazon.

Dolph Lundgren, the original He-Man from the 1987 film, has a cameo. The cast also includes Idris Elba, Alison Brie, and Camila Mendes.

People on Backlot are watching it this month. If you want something to pair with it, the 1987 original is worth your night.