The new Masters of the Universe film has had its set of challenges in just getting made. It took the producers quite a while to get a studio interested in the film and then another while to knuckle down a script and find a director in McG (Charlie’s Angels, This Means War, Terminator: Salvation). Since then though, we haven’t heard anything about the film, other than the possible casting of Kellan Lutz as He-Man. Leaving many to speculate if the film or property is still a thing.
Well, McG has broken his silence on the film and confirmed that Masters of the Universe is definitely still happening. Which I guess we should never have doubted considering how much Mattel could stand to make from the film in toy sales, if it’s a success. Thought that is an expensive gamble. And it’s something that he himself is certainly interested in doing, which he revealed in a recent interview with IGN:
It’s a very exciting moment for Masters of the Universe. We have a big meeting with Sony regarding prep of the movie on Wednesday. And we’re in the middle of a bit of a script polish, and it’s my absolute passion. I’m laser-focused on that being my next film. But I mean, you know how it works in contemporary filmmaking. You really, really have to earn the good will of the parent studio, and Tom Rothman runs a tight ship at Sony, and we’re going to get there. I’m so happy to report that to the fans.
I didn’t realise that there was still a fan base for this franchise. I was a huge fan of the toys and early cartoon series when I grew up, but its been a long time since I’ve looked back onto the series. However, Mattel is still keeping the toys going and released several comics and cartoon shows to try and keep interest in the property going strong. I guess its good to know that kids of today can get to have the same fun as I did.
And Sony and Mattel don’t just want to make this a once off film. If things go accordingly to plan, they want to make it a bigger franchise. And they’re looking to mimic a similar tone as those of the Marvel films:
I think we want to honor the fan base, first and foremost. 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. Listen, I love that movie with Frank [Langella] and Dolph [Lundgren]. I watch it, and it’s a tremendous pleasure for me to watch. I’m raised on the toys, and I’m down at Mattel all the time. We’re just really focused on getting it right. I want it to be full-bodied entertainment that respects the fan base, and is more emotional than you might imagine, inventive and original. Obviously, we’re all cognizant of what’s going on with Game of Thrones. It’s incredible. We’re cognizant of what’s going on in Guardians of the Galaxy. James Gunn’s doing a great job. We’re going to try to answer the call and take it higher.
I find incredible irony in them wanting to copy the Marvel style of film-making considering that DC Comics that publishes the Masters of the Universe comic series. That aside though, I can’t blame them for wanting it mimic Marvel’s hugely successful style, as it will certainly appeal to a wide audience. It’s all quite kid friendly, while still appealing to adults, which is the right sort of thing you want in a movie that’s sole purpose is to drive toy sales. I do hope they do create something more original, and perhaps combining some of Game of Thrones epic fantasy style battles with a Marvel feel could do that.
Not sure how DC would feel about that given all their recent criticism.
Last Updated: August 16, 2016
