Why ‘Masters Of The Universe’ Streaming Release Will Likely Echo ‘Project Hail Mary’

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentWhy ‘Masters Of The Universe’ Streaming Release Will Likely Echo ‘Project Hail Mary’ByTim Lammers,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I cover Hollywood and entertainment.Follow AuthorJun 06, 2026, 10:37pm EDTJun 06, 2026, 10:39pm EDTSummaryThe new He-Man movie, "Masters of the Universe," from Amazon MGM Studios, is facing a challenging start at the box office. With a projected $30.1 million opening weekend and a massive $200 million production budget, the film's financial viability is in question. This soft performance may force Amazon MGM to deviate from its usual strategy of quickly moving theatrical releases to Prime Video's subscription service. Instead, the studio is considering a premium video on demand (PVOD) release, similar to the successful "Project Hail Mary." This PVOD approach would allow the studio to generate additional revenue through digital purchases and rentals, crucial for recouping costs and potentially funding future sequels, despite positive critical and audience reception.Show More Idris Elba, Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Mendes in "Masters of the Universe."Amazon MGM StudiosThe new He-Man movie Masters of the Universe is off to a rough start at the box office, which means it may not take the original path to streaming that most Amazon MGM Studios releases do and may have to pivot the way Project Hail Mary debuted on home video.An Amazon MGM Studios production, Masters of the Universe marks the second live-action feature film iteration of the sword and sorcery tale following the 1987 film of the same name starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and Frank Langella as the evil wizard Skeletor. Nicholas Galitzine stars as Prince Adam/He-Man in the new version, while Jared Leto plays Skeletor.ForbesWhy He-Man’s History Won’t Help ‘Masters Of The Universe’ Opening WeekendBy Tim LammersDirected by Travis Knight, Masters of the Unive...