In a surprise move that has Hollywood buzzing, IMAX has decided to cut short the theatrical run of The Mandalorian & Grogu to make way for the upcoming Masters of the Universe reboot. The decision, announced via social media alongside a brand-new IMAX-exclusive poster, means the Star Wars film will lose its premium large-format screens just two weeks after its debut.
The poster shows Nicholas Galitzine's He-Man piloting a Sky Sled while being chased by Skeletor's vicious Roton vehicles. The sudden scheduling shift is highly unusual—IMAX typically locks in major releases months in advance. That the swap is happening so late suggests either underwhelming performance from the Star Wars entry or unexpectedly strong early buzz for the He-Man revival.
Why the Sudden Change?
The Mandalorian & Grogu, the first Star Wars movie to hit theaters in seven years, opened last weekend to mixed reviews and modest box-office numbers. While not a flop, it failed to ignite the kind of frenzy Disney had hoped for. Meanwhile, Masters of the Universe has been generating serious positive chatter since its red-carpet premiere earlier this month. Critics have praised the cast's performances, the witty script, and the film's vibrant sets and costumes.
It's worth noting that Masters of the Universe isn't the only film benefiting from shifting audience tastes. Over on streaming, Tomb Raider 2018 surges on HBO Max as Prime Video's Sophie Turner reboot heats up, showing that nostalgia-driven reboots continue to draw viewers.
What Is 'Masters of the Universe' About?
Galitzine stars as Adam Glenn, an office worker who believes he's the heir to the techno-magical world of Eternia. Sent to Earth as a child to protect him and his mystical Power Sword from the skull-faced sorcerer Skeletor (Jared Leto), Adam's fantasies become reality when his childhood friend Teela (Camila Mendes)—now a warrior in the resistance—arrives to bring him home. With Skeletor's slavering Beast Man on her trail, Adam returns to Eternia, where he trains under Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba) and faces off against Skeletor's legions, including the wicked witch Evil-Lyn (Alison Brie). To defeat Skeletor, Adam must call on the power of Grayskull and become He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe—but even that may not be enough.
Behind the Scenes
The film is directed by Travis Knight (Bumblebee), from a script by his frequent Laika collaborator Chris Butler. Earlier drafts were penned by Adam and Aaron Nee and David Callaham. The score comes from Daniel Pemberton (Project Hail Mary), with contributions from Queen guitarist Brian May, and a theme song by rock band The Darkness.
Interestingly, Ryan Gosling's 'Project Hail Mary' beats 'The Mandalorian & Grogu' in per-theater box office, further underscoring the shifting landscape of summer blockbusters.
Masters of the Universe premieres in theaters—including IMAX—on June 5. Stay tuned for more updates.
