X-Men ’97 has what Master of the Universe is missing

In 2026, Marvel and Mattel are both releasing projects designed to capitalize on people’s love for iconic animated heroes from their childhoods. Masters of the Universe has put a live-action He-Man on the big screen, and the second season of X-Men ’97 is about to fling some of Charles Xavier’s mutants into an apocalyptic future. Both projects were clearly made by people who love the source material, and they are similarly filled with nerdy Easter eggs meant to get hardcore fans hyped up. X-­Men ’97 and Masters of the Universe are both nostalgia plays, but the biggest difference between the two—and arguably the reason one of them hasn’t been … read the full story at The Verge.

While Masters of the Universe certainly flexes its muscles with a live-action He-Man, it often forgets that good action requires more than just biceps. X-Men ’97, on the other hand, masterfully balances character development with mutant mayhem, proving that a well-rounded hero can carry an entire film—or in this case, a season—on their back.

The live-action Masters of the Universe seems to have overcompensated for He-Man’s musculature by underdeveloping his personality. X-Men ’97 dives deep into the psyches of its mutants, giving us flashbacks and inner monologues that make us care about each character’s arc—something Master of the Universe could use a dose of.

Furthermore, while Masters of the Universe boasts high-octane battles, it occasionally loses sight of the story amidst the spectacle. X-Men ’97 keeps the action tight and purposeful, ensuring every fight ties back to the overarching narrative of mutants facing an apocalyptic future. It’s like He-Man wielding a sword versus X‑Men using their powers—both effective, but one hits harder with relevance.

In essence, X‑Men ’97 nails what Masters of the Universe is missing: depth, emotional resonance, and a clear vision that keeps fans rooting for the mutants long after the credits roll. So while both projects celebrate beloved animated heroes, X‑Men ’97 proves it can out‑magnetize even the mightiest live‑action He-Man.