The Masters of the Universe franchise has long been a beloved staple of 80s pop culture, but its theme song has often been overlooked. While the original cartoon series had a memorable opening sequence, it lacked a catchy theme song that would stick with audiences. However, the 2026 movie from Travis Knight, "Masters of the Universe," brings a killer soundtrack courtesy of Daniel Pemberton, and one of its best musical moments is a surprise collaboration with the legendary band Queen.
The song in question is "Princes of the Universe," which Queen wrote and performed for the "Highlander" franchise. This song is an absolute banger, and it's no wonder that it was too good for the original "Highlander" movie. But "Masters of the Universe" makes perfect use of the track, seamlessly integrating it into the score and enhancing a hilarious moment in the film.
After Skeletor steals the Sword of Power and leaves Eternia's warriors in a dire state, Prince Adam delivers an inspirational speech that convinces them to fight back. The sequence is accompanied by the traditional slow-motion entrance of the heroes, set to "Princes of the Universe." However, the moment ends with a funny subversion of a familiar blockbuster trope. As the heroes land on Eternia, the battle is already raging, and the smoke from blasted ships starts to overtake the sequence. The protagonists, who were supposed to look cool, can't help but cough due to the intense fighting. It's a hilarious moment that adds a layer of humor to the movie.
This is just one example of the excellent humor in the movie. The 2026 adaptation of "Masters of the Universe" shouldn't take itself too seriously, and I think fans of the original cartoon would agree that's for the best. Even Jared Leto, who plays Skeletor, manages to deliver a compelling performance, making him every bit the villainous diva that the animated series did. The result is a slightly less sharp "Barbie" for boys, but it still delivers superb entertainment that's far more than lazy nostalgia.
In my opinion, the use of "Princes of the Universe" in "Masters of the Universe" is a brilliant example of how a song can enhance a movie's atmosphere and add depth to its characters. It's a testament to the power of music in cinema, and it's a moment that will surely be remembered by fans of the franchise. So, if you haven't seen the movie yet, give it a chance, and you won't be disappointed. "Masters of the Universe" is playing in theaters everywhere now.
