Unfortunately for Sony Pictures, they're going to need to begin searching for a new director for MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE pronto. Variety has reported that David S. Goyer has decided to pass on the project. Goyer was already onboard MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE as a writer, having turned in a draft last fall that got Sony excited enough to offer him the director's gig, but after starting talks with the studio in December, it seems that Goyer has had to drop out due to other commitments.
One of those other commitments is Foundation, an upcoming mini-series based upon Isaac Asimov's sci-fi series. As Sony had already slated MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE for a December 18, 2019 release, Goyer realized that he wasn't going to be able to juggle both projects. Goyer will remain involved with MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE as screenwriter and executive producer, and before he departed, Sony was even getting ready to start talking with actors. The studio is still confident that it can make its release date and is currently meeting with other potential directors, meaning that we'll likely be hearing something on that front quite soon.
This isn't the first time that MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE has struggled to hang on to a director, as several have come and gone over the years, including John Stevenson (KUNG FU PANDA), Jon M. Chu (G.I. JOE: RETALIATION), and McG (TERMINATOR: SALVATION). Here's hoping that the fifth time will be the charm for Sony.
Who would you like to see direct MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE?