Hollywood has finally unsheathed the Power Sword and given us the first official teaser trailer for Masters of the Universe, a movie that looks like it was rendered entirely inside a very expensive graphics card. The teaser is fast, flashy, and aggressively CGI-ified, the cinematic equivalent of a toy commercial that drank three energy drinks and decided subtlety was for cowards. To be fair, it does look fun—just in that “my eyes are being yelled at” kind of way.
What’s genuinely impressive is how this movie somehow assembled a cast that includes Idris Elba and Alison Brie, two actors who could elevate almost anything they’re in. Elba brings instant gravitas, Brie brings charm and comedic timing, and together they represent the part of the casting that makes you think, “Okay, maybe this could work.” That optimism lasts right up until the realization sets in that, yes, we are once again being asked to emotionally endure a performance from Jared Leto, who has been cast as Skeletor. We didn’t see any forehead tattoos on Skeletor, though, so that’s a step in the right direction, at least.
Leading the charge is Nicholas Galitzine, joined by a surprisingly stacked ensemble that includes Camila Mendes, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Charlotte Riley, and Kristen Wiig. It’s the kind of cast list that reads less like a reboot of a ’80s toy property and more like Hollywood nervously hedging its bets.
Masters of the Universe is set to hit theaters on June 5, and if the teaser is any indication, audiences should brace themselves for glowing swords, digital backdrops, and at least one performance that will dominate the discourse whether we want it to or not. By the power of Grayskull, let’s hope the movie ends up being more fun than exhausting.
