A new Masters of the Universe movie is set to hit theaters in 2026, reigniting excitement for He-Man's epic battles across Eternia. Mattel is also rolling out fresh action figures and collectibles to celebrate the franchise’s legacy. The toy line continues to evolve with retro-inspired designs and modern reinterpretations of classic characters.

But before this reboot, He-Man has already carved out a rich on-screen history through earlier adaptations.

Before the 2026 Masters of the Universe arrives, fans can dive into He-Man’s origins through two essential entries. The animated He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is currently available on Amazon Prime Video in the United States. The series ran from 1983 to 1985 and follows Prince Adam as he transforms into He-Man to defend Castle Grayskull from the villainous Skeletor.

The show defined the franchise’s mythology with its colorful characters and morally driven storytelling. It introduced audiences to Eternia’s core conflicts and laid the foundation for decades of spin-offs and merchandise. For a live-action take, the 1987 Masters of the Universe is available to stream for free on Tubi.

The film stars Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and Frank Langella as Skeletor, alongside Courteney Cox in an early role. Directed by Gary Goddard, it follows a battle that spills from Eternia onto Earth using the Cosmic Key. While the film received mixed reactions at release, it has grown into a cult favorite over time. It is also available to rent on Apple TV and Prime Video, but Tubi provides a free option with ads. 

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Yet as fans revisit the past, the upcoming reboot is already facing intrigue behind the scenes.

Jared Leto has been noticeably absent from promotional efforts tied to Masters of the Universe. Reports indicate he skipped major appearances, including premiere events, presentations, and talk shows. His silence has stood out, given his role as Skeletor in the film. Industry chatter suggests this absence may be intentional.

The studio appears to be minimizing his visibility while focusing attention on the film itself. Nicholas Galitzine, who plays He-Man, has instead taken a more central role in promotion. Several factors may explain the strategy. Leto’s recent projects have faced mixed reception, and controversies surrounding him have affected public perception.

Additionally, his character is heavily enhanced with CGI, which reduces the need for traditional star-driven marketing. The film, directed by Travis Knight, has been in development for years with multiple creative shifts. Allowing the story and characters to take center stage may ultimately benefit the reboot. For now, the silence surrounding Leto has only added another layer of curiosity to the film’s rollout.

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What do you think about revisiting He-Man’s classic stories before the new movie arrives? Let us know in the comments.