Masters of the Universe Secures Imax Screens After Star Wars Adjusts Schedule
Masters of the Universe has received a last-minute confirmation that it will be shown in Imax theaters, following an unexpected shift in scheduling by Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. This move allows Masters of the Universe to take advantage of the large-screen format just days before its official release. The news comes as a surprise to many, given that Star Wars films typically dominate Imax screens for several weeks after their premieres.
The decision was made public on Friday, with promotional materials for Masters of the Universe now available for purchase. The movie was originally set to release in standard theaters on June 5, 2026, but the Imax rollout is now happening just one week before that date. This quick turnaround suggests that the theater chain made the decision at the last minute, possibly due to a shift in the Star Wars film's box office performance.
Imax Adjusts Its Theatrical Strategy
Imax usually provides advance notice of its theatrical releases, often sharing ticket sales information well in advance of a film's debut. For example, tickets for Mortal Kombat 2 were made available in early April, nearly a month before its May release. Similarly, tickets for The Mandalorian and Grogu went on sale on April 17, just days after the film's premiere. However, Masters of the Universe was not listed in the Imax 2026 slate announced to investors on April 30, 2026.
Instead, the Imax schedule for early summer 2026 is expected to focus on Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, Disclosure Day, Toy Story 5, and Supergirl. This indicates that the decision to make room for Masters of the Universe was made after the initial Imax schedule was finalized.
A Surprising Theatrical Move
The decision to shift Imax screens to Masters of the Universe has raised questions among fans, especially with rumors circulating that The Mandalorian and Grogu may have underperformed in the box office. As of now, the film has generated $33.8 million in Imax earnings globally, with $7.4 million of that coming from this weekend alone. However, the reason for the shorter-than-expected Imax run for The Mandalorian and Grogu has not been officially confirmed.
Despite the uncertainty, the move is likely to benefit Masters of the Universe, which will now be available in Imax theaters across 58 markets. The film, directed by Travis Knight, features Nicholas Galitzine as Adam/He-Man. Fans are also curious about the casting of Jared Leto as Skeletor, with some suggesting his voice may be a nod to Tom Hardy's Bane from The Dark Knight Rises. Knight has publicly denied this, insisting that Leto’s portrayal is entirely original.
The release of Masters of the Universe in Imax is a significant boost for the film, which has been in development for several years. With the release date fast approaching, fans are now looking forward to experiencing the movie in the enhanced format, which is known for its immersive visuals and superior audio.
