Netflix and Mattel Films announced they have joined forced to produce a live-action Masters of the Universe film. Furthermore, Kyle Allen, who recently appeared in Steven Spielberg's West Side Story, has been tapped to play He-Man.
Prior to landing at Netflix, a live-action Masters of the Universe film had been in development hell for years at Sony. While the Masters of the Universe film appeared to gain momentum when Noah Centineo signed on to play He-Man, the project once again hit roadblock when the young actor dropped out.
Now that Netflix has picked up the Masters of the Universe film, the project will still be directed and co-written by The Nee Brothers, who recently helmed the upcoming Sandra Bullock film titled The Lost City. The script was co-written by David Callaham, who may be best known for penning the screenplay for Marvel Studios' Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. While Netflix and Mattel have taken over the Masters of the Universe film, Sony will retain the theatrical and streaming release rights to the project in China. The filmmakers are aiming to begin production on Masters of the Universe in the summer of 2022.
"'Masters of the Universe' is an iconic property that shaped the imaginations of an entire generation of kids with the message of becoming the best version of yourself," said head of Mattel Films and executive producer Robbie Brenner. "With our partners at Netflix, we look forward to showing audiences that anything can happen in Eternia. We are continuing to unlock this global franchise in new ways, and we can’t wait to see Kyle battle it out with Skeletor in this epic live-action saga." The project will be lead by Brenner and Kevin McKeon for Mattel Films. Meanwhile, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Steve Tisch will produce with DeVon Franklin. "This movie has been 14 years in the making for us and our partners and we are so excited to tell an entirely new story… and share it with a global audience,” said Black.
Per the streamer's official synopsis, Netflix's Masters of the Universe will center on the orphan Adam, who discovers he is a prince destined to be the savior of a "faraway land." In order to save his true home from an evil force, he must quickly learn of his power.
Of course, Netflix is no stranger to He-Man game, having already released Kevin Smith's Masters of the Universe: Revelation. While the series was panned by fans who seemingly took issue with Teela being the main protagonist instead of He-Man, most welcomed the show as a charming update to the original animated series from the '80s.
Masters of the Universe is in development at Netflix.
Source: Netflix