Netflix's $150 million‑plus reboot of the 1980s He‑Man franchise opened to a modest $4.4 million from Thursday preview screenings on June 4,signaling a shaky start despite generally positive early reviews. The figure trails the $12 million preview haul of the new Star Wars spinoff and raises doubts about the film’s ability to attract audiences beyond its nostalgic core.

$4.4 Million Thursday Preview Highlights Fan‑Base Limits

The preview earnings, reported by industry trackers, suggest that the core fan base for Masters of the Universe is smaller than anticipated. With only $4.4 million generated, the film is unlikely to achieve the front‑loaded box‑office momentum that big‑budget genre titles typically rely on.

Star Wars Spinoff’s $12 Million Preview Sets a Stark Contrast

By comparison, the latest Star Wars spinoff pulled in $12 million from its Thursday previews , positioning it for an $81.6 million opening weekend across the four‑day Memorial Day frame. The disparity underscores how brand recognition alone does not guarantee strong early ticket sales, especially for a property that has been dormant for decades.

Production Cost Over $150 Million Raises Stakes

Netflix reportedly invested more than $150 million in the He‑Man reboot, a figure that amplifies the pressure to deliver a robust opening. Analysts note that such a budget demands a sizable box‑office return to justify the expense , and the current preview numbers fall short of that threshold.

Premium Formats May Cushion the Blow, but Competition Looms

Masters of the Universe is playing in IMAX and Dolby Cinema, formats that often boost per‑ticket revenue. However, the film will soon share screens with high‑profile releases like Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans and Indiana Jones 5 , both expected to dominate audience attention later this month.

Can Positive Word‑of‑Mouth Overturn a Weak Start?

Critics have praised the movie as a fun, self‑aware fantasy adventure, and early audience feedback points to solid word‑of‑mouth among those who have seen it. Yet, as the source notes, “Thursday box office figures can be a bit of a bellwether for how a movie will fare long‑term,” leaving open whether buzz can translate into broader appeal.

Who Will Decide the Franchise’s Future?

The lingering question is whether the $4.4 million preview will be enough to convince Netflix to pursue further He‑Man sequels. With the franchise’s commercial viability in doubt and the market saturated by superhero juggernauts, the upcoming weeks will be decisive.