How the Plot of the New MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE is Like JOHN CARTER

The upcoming live-action Masters of the Universe movie has fans cautiously optimistic, but early plot details have sparked comparisons concerns because of the story being set on Earth.

I was recently having a conversation with a friend who is a massive He-Man fan, and as we were talking, he brought up how the reported story details are very similar Disney’s 2012 John Carter, a film that, while critically appreciated, failed to capture box office gold.

Both movies center on a protagonist who is thrust into an alien world where they must rediscover themselves and rise to the occasion, and it’s hard not to see how Masters of the Universe might tread similar thematic and narrative ground.

John Carter was directed by Andrew Stanton, and adapted Edgar Rice Burroughs' iconic science-fiction novel A Princess of Mars.

The story follows war-weary Civil War veteran John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is unexpectedly transported to the planet Barsoom (Mars). There, he becomes entangled in a conflict that forces him to shed his apathy, uncover his potential, and help save a dying world.

Similarly, the Masters of the Universe plot reimagines Prince Adam, who will be played by Nicholas Galitzine, as an ordinary man living a mundane life on Earth.

Unknown to him, he’s the lost prince of Eternia. When Adam discovers his long-lost Power Sword, he is transported back to Eternia to confront the evil Skeletor (Jared Leto) and fulfill his destiny as He-Man.

Both films hinge on reluctant heroes who must embrace their true selves to save alien worlds on the brink of destruction.

The core story structure, ordinary Earthman is transported to a fantastical world, learns of their secret heritage, and becomes a hero, feels like a beat-for-beat retelling with some cosmetic changes.

Where John Carter brought us Mars’ desolate landscapes and warring factions, Masters of the Universe shifts to Eternia’s mix of sci-fi and fantasy.

John Carter struggled to find its audience, despite solid reviews praising its visuals and adventurous tone. Its marketing famously stumbled. The stories legacy is one of the inspirations for modern sci-fi franchises like Star Wars and Avatar.

The movie fell victim to being perceived as derivative, despite the fact that its source material was the originator of many tropes in the genre.

Will Masters of the Universe suffer the same fate? The film risks being perceived as a John Carter redux, swapping Martian deserts for Eternian castles, with its Earthbound origin story doing little to distinguish it as uniquely He-Man.

One of the major criticisms surrounding the plot of Masters of the Universe is its decision to ground Prince Adam on Earth, working a “boring office job,” with Eternia reduced to a childhood memory.

While this setup provides a relatable starting point for general audiences, it’s a far cry from the rich mythology that fans of the classic He-Man cartoons and toys hold dear.

The original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon leaned into its camp and larger-than-life storytelling, fully embracing Eternia’s mix of magic, technology, and heroic battles.

Fans expected a sweeping fantasy adventure that stayed true to that spirit, not a retread of a “hidden destiny” storyline.

There’s also these wonderful colorful established character from Masters of the Universe to play with and the nostalgia they bring. Characters like Teela (Camila Mendes), Evil-Lyn (Alison Brie), and Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba) are beloved staples of the franchise.

Director Travis Knight (Bumblebee, Kubo and the Two Strings) is known for blending heart with spectacle, which might give Masters of the Universe the edge it needs.

The success of the film will hinge on how well it balances nostalgia with this new direction of storytelling.

At its core, both John Carter and Masters of the Universe explore themes of identity, destiny, and heroism. The risk lies in Masters of the Universe changing the Masters of the Universe’s unique and interesting story and lore and making it feel like a rehash of not only John Carter, but countless other sci-fi and fantasy epics before it.

However, with a strong creative vision, script, and performances, there’s still a chance it could be better than what fans are expecting.

Still, for fans hoping to see Eternia’s mythos at the front and center of the story, the plot feels like a missed opportunity.