After the debut of the Masters of the Universe trailer, fans have been rampantly discussing the long-awaited fantasy film, to mostly positive praise. From the classic aesthetic to action-packed visuals, it seems like the reboot could finally bring the epic nature of the franchise to the big screen. However, some people are having a hard time understanding a joke in the Masters of the Universe trailer, leading to the lazy, tired complaint about it being “woke.”
In the first trailer for Masters of the Universe, one shot reveals Adam, shown on Earth as an average person before heading to Eternia, working at an office desk with a name plate including “He/Him” pronouns. It’s a subtle, yet funny reference to the character’s fantastical name, but some have read it entirely differently. One post on X made the rounds for criticizing the trailer for “giving He-Man pronouns,” completely missing the point of the joke in the trailer. While most fans were in disagreement with the post, some also expressed other questionable complaints, stating that “They could have had fun and have it said ‘HE/MAN’ a little tounge in cheek and a subtle fun joke.”
Overall, it seems like most people on social media agree that the pronoun bit is nothing to get controversial about. Of course, there are still those who think the film also has “a diversity crew netflix cast,” among other ignorant and racist remarks. But Masters of the Universe has quieted some of the noise after pessimism about the long-awaited project, which has been in various cycles of development throughout the years. No matter the case, audiences will undoubtedly pronounce their verdict when the film hits theaters later this summer on Jun. 5.
‘Masters of the Universe’ Trailer Reveals Exciting Cast Bringing Iconic Heroes & Villains to Life
As the trailer reveals, Masters of the Universe boasts a star-studded cast, which features Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam / He-Man, Camila Mendes as Teela, Idris Elba as Duncan / Man-At-Arms, Alison Brie as Evil-Ly, James Purefoy as King Randor, Morena Baccarin as the Sorceress, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Malcolm / Fisto, Charlotte Riley as Queen Marlena Glenn, Kristen Wiig as Roboto, and Jared Leto as Skeletor. The film follows Prince Adam as he returns to his home, Eternia, which is now under the rule of the evil Skeletor. Read the official synopsis:
After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe.
Masters of the Universe hails from director Travis Knight, known for his previous work on Bumblebee and Kubo and the Two Strings. Knight directed the fantasy film based on a script by Chris Butler, Aaron and Adam Nee, and Dave Callaham.
Release Date
June 5, 2026
Director
Travis Knight
Writers
Chris Butler