Long before the superheroes of Marvel and DC became cult icons with fans, the 80s were all about another hero, He-Man. The animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe based on Mattel’s popular toy line, ran for 2 seasons with 65 episodes each between 1983 and 1985 and went on to become one of the most successful shows on television.
Die-hard fans of the franchise were ecstatic to hear that the show was going to be revived as a live-action film in 2022. Unfortunately, with Sony and then Netflix unexpectedly backing out of the project, it seemed that it would not materialize. But latest information coming in has given the film a fresh lease of life.
This He-Man Live-Action Film Has Been Picked Up By Amazon
Audiences who grew up in the 70s and 80s will have nostalgic memories about one of the most popular superheroes of the time, He-Man. The animated series, based on Mattel’s toy line, regaled viewers for over two years and 130 episodes. Talks of a reboot in the form of a live-action film titled Masters of the Universe have been floating around since 2007.
In 2022, this possibility almost became a reality when Sony stepped in to develop the project (via Slash Film). Unfortunately, this was not meant to be. Netflix then stepped on board to get the live-action film rolling. This seemed like an apt collaboration considering the 80s animated show along with its spin-offs like She-Ra and the Princesses of Power were also streaming on the platform.
But according to a confirmed report in Variety, the streaming giant officially dropped out of the project after spending over $30 million towards the development of the script and production, which also reportedly included casting Kyle Allen in the lead role and roping directing duo Adam and Aaron Nee.
Just when it looked like the film’s woes to find a new home would not end, latest reports in Variety have confirmed that Masters of the Universe has been picked up by Amazon MGM Studios for worldwide theatrical release on June 5, 2026. The film is set to be directed by Travis Knight, the son of Nike founder Phil Knight. He is known for his acclaimed work in films like Bumblebee.
Masters of The Universe Is Set To Be Another Feather In The Cap For Mattel
From being the leading toy manufacturer in the world to becoming a force to reckon with in the world of movies, Mattel’s journey has been inspirational. Having pioneered iconic toy lines like Barbie and He-Man, the company is now ruling the roost with their production house Mattel films which just stuck box office gold with the blockbuster $1.4 billion success of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie.
In a confirmative report in Variety, the production house had now teamed up with Amazon MGM Studios to bring He-Man to life in a live-action film titled Masters of the Universe which is set to release worldwide in 2026.
The two blond Mattel figures are not the only characters to be envisioned for the big screen. According to information in the article, the other iconic toy lines pioneered by the company that will reportedly get a big screen adaptations include Barney produced by Daniel Kaluuya, Bob the Builder with Anthony Ramos and Jennifer Lopez, and Polly Pocket starring Lily Collins.
In addition, plans to develop a Hot wheels film produced by J.J. Abrams and a Magic 8 Ball movie with Blumhouse is also in the works.
He-Man And The Masters of the Universe is streaming on Amazon Prime.
