Children of the 80s have long been waiting for a proper cinematic adaptation of the cartoon/toy franchise MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE. While many of us have a soft spot for the campy 1987 film starring Dolph Lundgren and Frank Langella, a faithful fantasy epic based on the He-Man mythology is what we are craving. Development on a new film has been progressing and current director McG has been working diligently to make the movie happen. In a recent interview with IGN, the CHARLIE'S ANGELS and TERMINATOR: SALVATION director offered some updates on the project.
McG revealed that the MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE script is in the polishing stages now and he has a meeting with Sony on the status of the film this Wednesday. McG is hoping that MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE will be his next film and he is "laser-focused" on making it happen. Citing it as a passion project, the filmmaker refused to give too many plot details but did indicate that the movie would be primarily set on Eternia with some scenes on Earth. The film will feature classic characters but the only ones named were Adam/He-Man and Cringer/Battle Cat. In regards to getting Skeletor right, McG said the villain is right up there alongside Darth Vader and Hans Gruber which should give some indication as to which direction he is taking the story.
When asked about Kellan Lutz's reveal that he mad met with the director about the lead role, McG had this to say.
We haven't cast the role yet, but I like Kellan very much. Obviously, we need a talented entertainer, but we also need a certain physicality, which he embodies. He'll be considered very, very closely. We haven't gotten to the casting process yet. Kellan's a good guy, and we had a great meeting, and he's passionate about He-Man, he's passionate about the Adam story. He really knows a lot about it. I was charmed by his focus and intensity. He'll be considered very, very carefully. We're just not there yet. We've got to get the movie on its feet, then we'll cast the movie.
As to what the ultimate goal in making this film will be, McG says it is to honor the fan-base of the original animated series and toys while also evoking contemporary hits like Game of Thrones and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. So, does that mean this will be another Marvel clone?
We also need to be cognizant of the incredible resonance of what Kevin Feige is doing with Marvel, and the balance of full-bodied entertainment. That it's both credible and emotional, action-packed, and the story of a hero's journey. It's the genesis of He-Man, it's the becoming of He-Man. We want it to be clicking on all cylinders in that regard. We're not going to stop until we get it right.
McG may not exactly be everyone's first choice to helm MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, but I have to admit that the guy has some passion for this project. Just hearing him say that Margot Robbie in SUICIDE SQUAD proves that they need to get Evil Lyn right as well as the reveal that they are doing practical make-up tests for Skeletor instead of using CGI means that Sony is dedicated to delivering on a MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE that will do fans proud. The question remains as to who they will cast for these iconic roles.
MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE currently has no projected release date.
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