Amazon MGM Studios experienced a mixed year with some successful and some unsuccessful releases. Currently, two of its major films, Project Hail Mary and [unspecified second film], are competing for viewers on streaming platforms.
The movie Masters of the Universe, based on the popular Mattel toy line, came out in theaters on June 5th, but didn’t do well at the box office. However, Amazon successfully promoted the film, and it quickly became a hit on their streaming service. Just two days after becoming available on Prime Video on July 22nd, Masters of the Universe reached the No. 1 spot, according to FlixPatrol.
Masters of the Universe quickly became a box office hit, reaching number one in 25 countries on its opening day. By its second day, that number had doubled. The film is now the top movie in the U.S., surpassing all others.
Masters of the Universe Is a Testament to Amazon’s Smart Strategy
Today, most movies play in theaters for a few weeks, depending on how well they do. Then, about 40 days after the theatrical release, they become available to rent or buy digitally. After a month or so on those platforms, the movie moves exclusively to its studio’s streaming service.
With Masters of the Universe, Amazon took a different approach—one they’ve used when other shows haven’t performed well. Rather than releasing it on various digital platforms like Apple TV, Vudu, and Fandango (where Amazon would lose a portion of the revenue), they made it available exclusively on Prime Video for subscribers at no extra cost.
If you want to watch it, a Prime subscription is a great value – much cheaper than renting or buying! Digital rentals typically cost around $20, and purchasing the movie usually costs between $25 and $30. A Prime membership is only $4.99 per month and lets you rewatch the film as many times as you like, plus gives you access to other shows and movies on Prime Video. This release strategy really maximizes its reach.
Masters of the Universe isn’t the only movie to underperform in cinemas and then move to streaming. Earlier this year, both Chris Hemsworth’s Crime 101 – which many felt was unfairly overlooked – and Red One starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans had similar releases after disappointing at the box office. Luckily, both films found an audience when they became available for streaming.
What Happens in Masters of the Universe?
This movie is a new live-action version of Masters of the Universe, following the original 1987 film. It centers on Prince Adam, who’s still developing confidence and his fighting skills. Before he can fully realize his potential, the villain Skeletor attacks Eternos, the capital city of Eternia. To protect him, Adam’s mother sends him to Earth with The Sorceress, but he loses the powerful Sword of Power during the journey.
He spent years searching Earth for a powerful sword, and as soon as he found it, danger arrived. The sword also transported him back to Eternia, but it wasn’t the home he remembered. Now, he must join forces with the remaining rebels to stop Skeletor from taking over the world.
Nicholas Galitzine stars as Prince Adam, who transforms into He-Man, in this film. Camila Mendes plays Teela, with Idris Elba as Duncan, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Morena Baccarin as the Sorceress, and Jared Leto as Skeletor. Travis Knight directed the movie based on a screenplay by Chris Butler, Aaron Nee, Adam Nee, and David Callaham.
Critics generally liked the live-action movie, giving it a 67% approval rating based on 251 reviews. Audiences loved it even more, with an 86% approval rating.
Despite receiving decent reviews, the movie Masters of the Universe didn’t succeed at the box office. It cost a hefty $170 million to make, but only earned $113.6 million in ticket sales – far short of what it needed to be profitable. Typically, movies need to earn two and a half times their production cost to break even, and Masters of the Universe fell well below that mark, making it a significant financial disappointment.
Masters of the Universe is streaming on Prime Video. It’s also currently playing in theaters.
2026-07-24 18:10