'He-Man' Trailer Sparks Backlash Over Pronoun Wordplay

First 'Masters of the Universe' Trailer Sparks Fury Over Pronoun Joke

The debut trailer for the new "Masters of the Universe" film, presented by Amazon MGM and Mattel, has ignited fierce debate, instantly dividing the audience. The criticism stemmed from a brief visual detail that some viewers perceived as part of a "woke agenda," despite its seemingly pun-like nature.

The Scene That Started the Controversy

In the trailer, the protagonist—Adam Glenn, also known as Prince Adam and the future He-Man—is shown far from Eternia, stuck in the dreary office routine of corporate America. A nameplate on his desk bears his name and the pronouns "He/Him."

For a significant portion of the audience, this became a cause for outrage. On social media, the nameplate was interpreted as a demonstration of the character's political or social stance, which critics deemed inappropriate for an adaptation of a classic 1980s franchise.

A Pun Not Everyone Got

The filmmakers likely intended an obvious play on words. The designation "He/Him" directly references the superhero's name, He-Man, while the scene highlights the contrast between Adam's mundane life and his true nature.

However, this pun was not received unambiguously. Sharp comments began appearing beneath the trailer.

"Are they seriously making 'Masters of the Universe' and specifying which pronoun applies to He-Man. These people won't stop until they've ruined everything," wrote one user.

Other viewers labeled the film "woke garbage" and accused the studio of "forced gender diversity," stating they had no intention of spending money to watch it.

Fan Community Reaction

Notably, a segment of the franchise's fanbase came to the trailer's defense, pointing out the obviousness of the joke and reminding others that modern office realities often include such elements, and that the scene itself carries no significant plot or ideological weight.

Nevertheless, the negative reaction was loud enough to catch the attention of industry observers. Similar controversies have repeatedly accompanied major Hollywood releases in recent years, especially those attempting to adapt cult brands for a new audience.

Financial Risks for the Studio

The situation is particularly concerning due to the project's scale. The budget for "Masters of the Universe" is estimated at over $200 million, making it one of the most expensive adaptations in Amazon MGM Studios' history.

Under such circumstances, negative buzz, even sparked by a minor trailer detail, can influence the film's perception long before its premiere. Experts note that for such costly projects, it is critical to maintain the loyalty of both nostalgic fans of the original franchise and a new, younger audience.

What's Next

The studio has not yet commented on the criticism surrounding the trailer. Likely, future marketing materials and the full story context will help ease tensions and shift focus away from the contentious detail to the story itself, the characters, and the film's visual scale.

"Masters of the Universe" is scheduled for release on June 5, 2026, and it is already clear that the film will be one of the year's most talked-about releases—regardless of whether the current uproar persists by the time it hits the screens.