(Image Source: Cannon Films, MGM)
Mattel's "Masters of the Universe" toy IP has seen two live-action film adaptations nearly four decades apart, both suffering significant box office failures. The 1987 film, also titled "Masters of the Universe," was produced on a $22 million budget but only grossed $17.3 million. The second live-action adaptation, released in 2026, reportedly had a budget of nearly $200 million, yet has only pulled in $104 million to date, essentially dooming any prospects for a sequel.
Responding to these disappointing figures, Dolph Lundgren, who portrayed the original He-Man and also made a cameo in the 2026 "Masters of the Universe" film, recently expressed his sentiments to ComicBook.com. He stated that he was genuinely "a bit disappointed," noting that he had been told the film was "going to be a big hit." While he doesn't believe box office performance dictates his personal enjoyment of a movie, he admitted thinking it was "a bit strange" that it did so poorly.
(Image Source: Pinterest)
Lundgren continued, saying he wasn't sure why the film underperformed. He mentioned that the studio had invested heavily in marketing and promotion, and he himself had a small involvement in the production. He speculated that the film might have performed better internationally, but he wasn't certain if those overseas numbers would be sufficient. He pondered whether Nicholas Galitzine, the new He-Man, would be signing Power Swords for fans 40 years from now, as he has. Lundgren concluded by noting that box office success is a poor measure of a film's quality; some blockbusters become classics, others are forgotten in two decades, and some financially unsuccessful films remain cherished by audiences even 50 years later.
Based on current box office returns, the chances of a sequel to the new "Masters of the Universe" — which reportedly set up future storylines — appear extremely slim. Fans hoping for another live-action adaptation will likely have to wait for yet another reboot.
via： ComicBook.com