It’s hard to think of 1980s entries with more staying power than “He-Man & Masters Of The Universe.” While the franchise has no shortage of toys and small-screen adaptations, it hasn’t been on the big screen since 1987. There has been a lot of interest in a reboot with everyone from John Woo to Aaron and Adam Nee attached to direct. Sadly, every attempt has fizzled out for one reason or another. But that’s where Travis Knight (“Kubo and the Two Strings”) comes in.
According to multiple sources, Knight is in final negotiations to direct. This is not a done deal just yet, but it’s looking pretty likely. Amazon MGM Studios are also in final negotiations for rights to “Masters Of The Universe,” so a lot is pending on that.
It looks like Mattel’s Robbie Brenner and Escape Artists’ Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal will produce. Writer Chris Butler is attached to revise the script written by David Callaham and the Nee brothers.
Knight is President and CEO of Portland-based animation studio Laika, and directed the 2018 live-action “Transformers” spinoff, “Bumblebee.” This gives him a unique advantage of having worked both animated and live-action. It also makes him no stranger to adapting beloved franchises, considering “Bumblebee” got rave reviews.
He’s reportedly been on top of the studio’s list of possible directors for some time. He was also apparently the only candidate who was given an in-person presentation. All of these are really good signs that this film may FINALLY be coming to fruition.
We’ll keep you posted on updates about the “Masters Of The Universe,” reboot as they become available. In the meantime, you can check out Kevin Smith’s animated series “Masters of the Universe: Revolution” currently streaming on Netflix.
