EP 192: Masters of the Universe (2026) & Gen X Nostalgia Movies

By the power of Grayskull, I unite fans of sword and sorcery, 1980s nostalgia, and homoerotic relationships between hero and villain because today we are discussing Masters of the Universe based on the media franchise by Mattel and the second live-action film adaptation after the 1987 film. A new live-action film was announced in 2009 by Sony Pictures Entertainment. Following multiple writer, director and casting changes, the rights were transferred to Netflix in 2022 and then bought by Amazon MGM Studios in 2024 who delivered the film to theaters this weekend with director Travis Knight. We’ll review the film and talk about Gen X nostalgia as it relates to box office success today. Masters of the Universe, the franchise turned feature film, is directed by Travis Knight and written by Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, and David Callaham. Nicholas Galitzine stars as Prince Adam / He-Man, alongside Camila Mendes, Jared Leto, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Charlotte Riley, Kristen Wiig, Morena Baccarin, and Idris Elba. Its plot follows Prince Adam as he returns to his home planet, Eternia, to take his destiny as He-Man, and save his home from the evil forces of Skeletor.Our pre-episode Patreon exclusive conversation features:Martin Scorsese and AIBoots Riley and Sophy Romvari on TwitterThe Odyssey ticketsOn this episode:Danny JarabekAdam PatlaNadia ArainJoshua Mbonu  Support the showSubscribe for Early Access and Video:The Rolling Tape PatreonListen Here:SpotifyApple PodcastsAll Listening PlatformsHave questions? Email [email protected] Website LinkWebsite & Publications: www.therollingtape.comSocial Platforms on LinktreeCredits:Theme music: Eugene Rocco Utley & Karl VincentArtwork: Danny JarabekEditor: Danny JarabekAssistant Producer: Evan Miller