Netflix has been developing a live-action Masters of the Universe movie for some time, but it was revealed this summer that the streaming service had scrapped the project. However, Variety reports that the Masters of the Universe movie could find a new home at Amazon MGM Studios.
The potential move to Amazon isn’t a sure thing, as a source told Variety that the talks are “tenuous.” Should they go forward, Amazon would need to close new deals with Adam and Aaron Nee to write and direct the Masters of the Universe movie. Kyle Allen (A Haunting in Venice) is still attached to star in the movie as He-Man.
As for why the project fell apart at Netflix, it apparently all came down to the budget. After spending close to $30 million on development costs, the budget of the movie had ballooned to over $200 million. Adam and Aaron Nee worked with producers to try to bring it down, and they even considered shooting the movie back-to-back with a sequel in order to amortize the cost, but they couldn’t come to an agreement. Multiple insiders say that the budget is now below $200 million.
Mattel and producer Todd Black had shopped the Masters of the Universe movie to other studios before taking it to Amazon. He’s also seeking a “significant theatrical release” for the project, which wasn’t going to happen while it was at Netflix. The project has gone through a variety of hands over the last fifteen years, with directors like Jon M. Chu and McG signing on the develop the movie at various points. The rights to the franchise are also rather tricky. DreamWorks Animation purchased them over a decade ago, allowing them use the characters for filmed adaptations through 2026. The studio is now owned by NBCUniversal, which could stand in the way of any potential sequels developed at Amazon.
We’ll have to wait and see if Masters of the Universe will finally move forward at Amazon, but no matter what happens, I’m sure we’ll make it to Eternia one day.