Amazon MGM Studios has released a new trailer for the live-action adaptation of the 80s Filmation cartoon, based on the Mattel toyline. The new trailer has a lot of the dramatic beats of the previous trailer, plus some new footage (including more of Skeletor talking). They also show a bit more of Adam’s time on Earth. As someone who was wary of the split setting, I was worried if the whiplash in tones would clash too much. However, now I can see how it can work, as inspired by Hamlet (or Lion King if you will). With Prince Adam returning home to a kingdom ruled by Skeletor, the fight to free Eternia commences!
Travis Knight is an effective filmmaker and an admitted fan of these original Saturday morning cartoons. Despite the marketing not truly hyping me up, I wouldn’t be surprised if this turned out to be an affectionate tribute and a sneaky emotional journey. Afterall, this trailer rocks out with the original theme in the background.
The film stars Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Charlotte Riley, Featuring Kristen Wiig as the voice of “Roboto” with Jared Leto and Idris Elba.
The official synopsis from Amazon MGM reads,
“In MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, Director Travis Knight brings the legendary franchise back to the big screen in this epic live-action adventure. After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe.”
Travis Knight, who has brought us Kubo and the Two Strings and Bumblebee, directs this film from a script by Chris Butler and Aaron Nee & Adam Nee & Dave Callaham. Aaron Nee & Adam Nee and Alex Litvak & Michael Finch are credited with coming up with the story. Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Robbie Brenner, DeVon Franklin are on board the project as producers. The executive producers on the film include Ynon Kreiz, Bill Bannerman and David Bloomfield.
Masters of the Universe opens in theaters on June 5.