On paper, Skeletor played the archenemy of He-Man, but in reality, it’s Netflix that practically snubbed the franchise even after spending a considerable amount of money. Now, after somewhat abandoning the project, Masters of the Universe is getting another chance.
He-Man would be a great addition to any streaming platform, providing a fresh take on the superhero genre beyond DC and Marvel. It would also inject a sense of nostalgia among fans.
Netflix rejected the Masters of the Universe project last summer, despite a $30 million investment in development. The cast included Kyle Allen as He-Man, with Aaron and Adam Nee directing and David Callaham writing. Budget issues arose, with the original $200 million budget deemed unfeasible to cut, leading to Netflix’s decision.
Amazon is in tentative talks to revive the Masters of the Universe project after Netflix’s rejection. Deals with directors Aaron and Adam Nee, script polishing, and actor Kyle Allen’s potential return as He-Man are pending. Mattel and producer Todd Black aim for a substantial theatrical release.
Complications arise from tangled rights dating back to DreamWorks Animation’s purchase, with potential interference from NBCUniversal, the current owner. Negotiations between NBCU and Mattel for a rights extension are ongoing.
Insiders report the Masters of the Universe project’s budget is around $170 million. If rights negotiations succeed, it would be a significant win for Amazon’s Courtenay Valenti, previously involved in the successful “Barbie” adaptation at Warner Bros.
The recent success of Barbie says a lot about the Mattel influence in the market. With this success, more and more Mattel characters are coming to life, and adding the nostalgia spice of He-Man, Amazon might be holding something really special right now.