Masters of the Universe Trailer Slammed by Wokes Because 'How Dare They Give Pronouns' to Childhood Superhero

The first full trailer for the upcoming live-action reboot of Masters of the Universe has prompted debate online after a brief visual joke involving pronouns drew criticism from some social media users.

Released this week, the trailer introduces a new take on the long-running fantasy franchise and stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam, the alter ego of He-Man. While much of the footage focuses on world-building, character introductions and action sequences, a short scene set in an office environment has attracted significant attention.

Reaction online has been divided, with some viewers describing the moment as an example of contemporary political messaging, while others said it was intended as a light-hearted visual gag with no wider implications.

Pronoun Reference in the Trailer

The trailer shows Prince Adam living an unremarkable life in the human world before recovering his sword and reclaiming his heroic identity. In one brief shot, a desk nameplate beside him reads 'Adam Glenn He/Him', a detail that appears only momentarily.

Some viewers criticised the inclusion of pronouns, arguing that it introduces modern cultural themes into a franchise rooted in 1980s fantasy storytelling. Others pointed out that the character's name itself includes a pronoun and said the reference fits with the trailer's comedic contrast between office life and epic heroism.

The film is scheduled for theatrical release on 5 June 2026 and represents the latest attempt to bring the franchise to cinemas following decades of animated series, toys and previous film adaptations.

Online Reaction and Backlash

Following the trailer's release, criticism emerged on platforms including X and Reddit, where some users accused the filmmakers of incorporating what they described as 'woke' elements into the story. Several posts framed the nameplate as evidence of a deliberate creative choice tied to current social debates, while others expressed frustration about perceived changes to familiar characters.

At the same time, other users dismissed the criticism as excessive, saying the reaction focused on a minor visual detail that plays a small role in the overall trailer. Some commentators described the scene as a joke linked to the character's name and the mundane setting, not as commentary on gender or identity.

Neither the filmmakers nor the studio have issued public comment addressing the reaction to the scene.

Film Background and Creative Approach

The reboot is directed by Travis Knight and produced by Mattel in partnership with Amazon MGM Studios. Promotional material describes the film as an origin story that places Prince Adam in the modern world before returning him to Eternia, the fantasy realm central to the franchise.

Early coverage of the trailer has focused on its tone and visual style, including its depiction of Adam as disconnected from his heroic destiny during the opening sequence. The pronoun reference appears only once in the footage and is not revisited elsewhere.

The debate surrounding the trailer reflects a broader pattern in which nostalgic franchises draw heightened scrutiny online, particularly when small creative details are interpreted through wider cultural or political perspectives. As promotion for Masters of the Universe continues, discussion is expected to shift towards the film's narrative, performances and execution as its release approaches.