The Masters of the Universe franchise has always had a unique charm, and the 2026 film adaptation by Travis Knight is no exception. One of the most intriguing aspects of this movie is its soundtrack, which is a perfect blend of orchestral brilliance, synth energy, and an electric boost from Queen guitarist Brian May. But what makes this soundtrack truly special is the use of a theme song that was originally created for a different fantasy franchise: 'Princes of the Universe' by Queen for the 'Highlander' film and TV series.
Personally, I think the choice to use this song is a brilliant one. It adds a layer of familiarity and nostalgia to the movie, while also paying homage to the original cartoon series. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way the song enhances a hilarious moment in the film. After Skeletor steals the Sword of Power, Prince Adam gives an inspirational speech to the rebels, and the scene is accompanied by the song. The song's powerful vocals and sizzling guitar riffs create a sense of epic grandeur, while the subversion of the slow-motion entrance trope adds a layer of humor.
In my opinion, the use of this song is a testament to the power of music in cinema. It shows how a simple song can enhance a scene and create a lasting impression on the audience. The song's association with the 'Highlander' franchise also adds an interesting layer to the movie, as it connects the two franchises in a subtle but meaningful way.
However, what many people don't realize is that the song was originally written for 'Highlander', not 'Masters of the Universe'. This raises a deeper question: why was the song so perfect for 'Masters of the Universe'? One possible explanation is that the song's themes of power, strength, and heroism align perfectly with the movie's narrative. The song's energy and power also complement the movie's action sequences and battles, making it a natural fit for the film.
From my perspective, the use of this song is a brilliant example of how music can enhance a movie's narrative and create a lasting impression on the audience. It shows how a simple song can become a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled composer and director. The song's association with the 'Highlander' franchise also adds an interesting layer to the movie, as it connects the two franchises in a subtle but meaningful way.
One thing that immediately stands out is the way the song subverts the traditional slow-motion entrance trope. The song's energy and power create a sense of epic grandeur, while the subversion of the trope adds a layer of humor. This is just one of many excellent executions of humor in the movie, and it shows how the film takes itself lightly and doesn't take itself too seriously.
In conclusion, the use of 'Princes of the Universe' by Queen in the 2026 'Masters of the Universe' film is a brilliant example of how music can enhance a movie's narrative and create a lasting impression on the audience. It shows how a simple song can become a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled composer and director, and it adds an interesting layer to the movie's narrative and themes. If you take a step back and think about it, you'll realize that the song's association with the 'Highlander' franchise is just one of many clever connections that make the movie so much more than a simple adaptation of the cartoon series.
