He-Man and the Masters of the Universe are gearing up for a big-screen comeback with a new live-action movie—the first in nearly 40 years. But while fans eagerly await that theatrical return, there's another, equally thrilling chapter of Eternia that remains frustratingly incomplete. Netflix's two-part animated revival, Masters of the Universe: Revelation and its sequel Masters of the Universe: Revolution, crafted by the legendary Kevin Smith and brought to life by Powerhouse Animation (the studio behind Castlevania), is a fantasy saga that deserves a proper ending. Now, with renewed interest in the franchise, it's the ideal moment for Netflix to summon the power of Grayskull one more time.
A Bold New Take on Eternian Lore
Masters of the Universe: Revelation initially sparked debate among die-hard fans for its narrative choices, but it ultimately delivered a sophisticated, postmodern spin on the classic mythos. Across 10 episodes, the series wove together threads from the original mini-comics, the beloved 1980s Filmation cartoon, the 2002 reboot, and the more mature DC and Dark Horse comics. The result was a cohesive, remixed version of Eternia that deepened the lore in exciting ways.
The show gave Skeletor (voiced by Mark Hamill) a proper backstory, introduced Subternia as Eternia's underworld (ruled by the late, great Tony Todd as Scare-Glow), and depicted Preternia as a heavenly realm for past champions. It was a masterful way to integrate decades of toyline mythology into a fresh, animated adventure.
Deconstructing Iconic Relationships
Smith's saga didn't just expand the world—it also deconstructed the core relationships that define Masters of the Universe. The series opens with a shocking event that throws Eternia into chaos, and Teela (Sarah Michelle Gellar) emerges as a central figure, grappling with anger and betrayal after learning that Adam never revealed his secret identity as He-Man. Over the course of the story, the show explores the true depth of Adam and Teela's bond, while also addressing Teela's destiny as the Sorceress's successor.
Meanwhile, the toxic codependency between Skeletor and Evil-Lyn (Lena Headey) is given new layers, revealing Evil-Lyn's more vulnerable side and her corruption at Skeletor's hands. These character-driven arcs elevated the series beyond a simple nostalgia trip.
A Cliffhanger That Demands Resolution
Masters of the Universe: Revolution, released in 2024, raised the stakes with Hordak (Keith David) invading Eternia and brainwashing Skeletor with a technovirus. Despite earning even higher praise than its predecessor on Rotten Tomatoes, the season ended on a massive cliffhanger, teasing a crucial character from the franchise's history. Yet, there's been no word on a third season.
Kevin Smith has explained that the holdup involves complex rights issues between two major media companies. As he told AnyGoodFilms in November 2024, "Our Season 3... has everything to do whether two titans of media want to let each other play with their toys." It's a frustrating situation, especially for a series that ranks among Netflix's most beloved shows.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time
With a big-budget live-action movie on the horizon, the Masters of the Universe franchise is poised for a major resurgence in popularity. This renewed interest makes it the ideal moment for Netflix and Mattel to resolve their differences and give fans the epic conclusion they deserve. Leaving this animated saga unfinished is like abandoning a great book series mid-story. Netflix has a chance to deliver a satisfying finale that honors the legacy of He-Man and his world—and they should seize it before the opportunity fades.
