Masters of the Universe has added last-minute Imax screens to its theatrical rollout after Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu opened up room for the large-screen format earlier than expected.
Star Wars fans were anticipating Disney’s sci-fi universe to populate Imax screens for at least a few weeks into June following its May 22 premiere. However, it doesn’t seem like that will be the case, as Imax has made a surprise change that will now see its theaters make space in anticipation of Amazon MGM and Sony Pictures’ live-action He-Man movie.
The move was announced Friday with official promotional material for Masters of the Universe. Tickets are now on sale, just one week before the movie’s previously announced standard release date of June 5, 2026.
Masters of the Universe Imax poster. Image courtesy of Imax.
Imax typically gives viewers a more substantial heads-up when it comes to ticket sales for upcoming movies. Mortal Kombat 2 tickets, for example, were shared April 9, around one month before wide theatrical release in early May. Tickets for The Mandalorian and Grogu went on sale April 17.
Masters of the Universe was also absent from the 2026 slate Imax shared with investors April 30, 2026. Instead, the company said it expected its early summer window to primarily feature Star Wars, Disclosure Day, Toy Story 5, and Supergirl.
It’s a surprise for the He-Man movie that may see more fans finding the power to make a trip to the theater when the film arrives next weekend. Meanwhile, rumors that The Mandalorian and Grogu made room for the surprise screen shift as a result of disappointment at the box office have started to spread online. The Star Wars spin-off has so far managed to pull a global total of $33.8 million in Imax earnings, with $7.4 million of that amount earned through this weekend. Why the flick has received a shorter-than-expected Imax run has not been officially confirmed.
Masters of the Universe is directed by Travis Knight and stars Nicholas Galitzine as Adam/He-Man. It will now be available in Imax in 58 markets next weekend. For more, you can read about why Knight insists Skeletor actor Jared Leto is not paying homage to Tom Hardy’s Bane with his new voice.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
