The 1980s cartoon "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" may not have had a catchy theme song, but the 2026 movie adaptation makes up for it with a killer soundtrack. The film's score, composed by Daniel Pemberton, is a mix of orchestral brilliance, synth energy, and electric boosts from Queen guitarist Brian May. One of the best musical moments in the movie is a theme song from an entirely different fantasy franchise: "Princes of the Universe" by Queen, originally created for the "Highlander" movie. What makes this particularly fascinating is that the song was always too good for "Highlander" and now it's the perfect fit for "Masters of the Universe." In my opinion, the song enhances a hilarious moment in the film where Prince Adam gives an inspirational speech to the warriors of Eternia, and the slow-motion entrance into battle is set to the song. The subversion of the familiar blockbuster trope where the protagonists have to cough due to the intense battle around them is a funny and clever moment. Personally, I think the movie should not take itself too seriously, and the use of the Queen song is a testament to that. The movie is a slightly less sharp "Barbie" for boys, but it still delivers superb entertainment that's far more than lazy nostalgia. The 2026 "Masters of the Universe" movie makes perfect use of one of the best fantasy theme songs, and it's a must-watch for fans of the 1980s cartoon and fantasy adventure series.
