Posted by Jonathan Klotz | Published
If your social media is anything like mine, it's full of people saying “No one told me that Masters of the Universe it was so much fun!” It is closely followed by “I tried to tell everyone not to let He-Man get in the way Dungeons and Dragons: Fame Among Thieves!” The thing is, the first live-action He-Man effort in 40 years wasn't going to be a box office hit. It didn't matter. It was destined to be a hit on Amazon Prime, where it's been at Number One since it debuted, and that's what Amazon was planning all along. Thankfully, for the broadcaster, it was a success, and now we can fight for spinoffs and sequels.
Masters of the Universe exploded in Hollywood decades before Amazon MGM acquired it in 2023 and finally did. When it made $113 million, well below expectations, Amazon's Home Distribution Chief Kevin Wilson said: “This opening is the kind of first-time priority that validates our overall distribution strategy – awareness and engagement that will extend beyond the theater window.” That's what happened, and now, Amazon is having the last laugh.
Masters Of The Universe Was Set For Amazon Prime
Fans of the He-Man franchise were upset by the lack of promotion Amazon put behind the film this past Spring. There weren't many commercials, although the press tour was successful and excited the actors and fans (except Jared Leto), but now we see that Amazon was waiting for the first broadcast. Now there are ads everywhere celebrating the film's launch on Amazon Prime Video. The theatrical release was a fun throwback for fans. Broadcasting was intentional.
Nicholas Galitzine stepped into the furry underwear of Adam Prince/He-Man, and after acknowledging the original, Dolph Lundgren, made the role his own. Masters of the Universe is a campy, carefree sci-fi fantasy romp that is very similar to Fame Among Thievesand Galitzine holds it together with an interesting performance like a wild tone. Camila Mendes (Veronica from Riverdale) turned Teela into his second outing. All the actors, including Idris Elba, Morena Baccarin, and Alison Brie, understand the role.
Amazon Has Invested in the Future of He-Man
Director Travis Knight has a talent for 80s architecture. He started directing A bee and saved Michael Bay's Transformer universe, and now cut the old Gordian Knot Masters of the Universe. After his stop-motion fantasy Wildwood came out, it will be interesting to see if Amazon keeps him on board for the inevitable sequel, and as teased in the film, She-Ra a spinoff.
Netflix has come under fire for not bringing its movies to theaters, but Amazon may have shown exactly why it could be a smart move. Kevin Wilson was right. The drama received positive reviews which they wanted to ensure that it plays a big role when it is available for broadcast. Now there is no benefit to share with movie theaters, no conflict with external distributors, who only subscribe to their streaming service. If only Paramount would acknowledge the fan base Dungeons and Dragons: Fame Among Thieves the way Amazon has it Masters of the Universebut if nothing else, at least one trip to Eternia is coming.
