Following a setback with Netflix, where ‘Masters of the Universe’ was discontinued after an investment of close to $30 million due to budget disagreements, Mattel has not given up on He-Man’s cinematic future. According to Deadline, the latest development sees Travis Knight in final negotiations to direct the reboot.
Knight is known for his leadership at Laika and directing credits on ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ and the ‘Transformers’ spinoff ‘Bumblebee.’ With Chris Butler set to rewrite the screenplay, originally written by David Callaham and the Nee Brothers, the project’s narrative direction is also undergoing a transformation.
As per Deadline, Amazon MGM Studios is currently in discussions to secure the rights to the film, with Robbie Brenner of Mattel and Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal of Escape Artists attached as producers.
‘Masters Of The Universe’ Has a Complex Production History
The reboot’s plot offers a new take on the story, focusing on a young Prince Adam, who arrives on Earth and embarks on a quest to reclaim his connection to Eternia and his alter-ego, He-Man, to battle Skeletor.
Initially announced with the Nee Brothers at the helm and featuring Kyle Allen as the lead, ‘Masters of the Universe’s development has seen multiple studios, directors, and writers involved since its inception in 2007. The decision by Netflix to pull out over budget concerns, despite previous attempts to trim costs, has been a big drawback for the movie.
As the project moves forward under Travis Knight’s direction, Amazon MGM did not comment on the recent developments.
