He-Man and the Masters of the Universeis sure taking its sweet, celestial time in getting a live-action, big-screen reboot off the ground. You might even say it feels like an Eternia since we last got an update on Sony Pictures / Mattel’s planned production. The script for this reboot, once known asGrayskull, has passed through the word processors of such screenwriters asJustin Marks,Evan Daugherty,Mike FinchandAlex Litvak,Richard Wenk,Jeff Wadlow, andChristopher Yostto name a “few.” Such notable names asJon M. Chu,Harald Zwart,Chris McKay,Mike Cahill,McG, and most recently,David S. Goyerwere tapped to direct. But when Goyer passed on the project, the director’s chair was left vacant once more … until today.
Varietyreports that the directing duoThe Brothers Nee, otherwise known asAaron and Adam Nee, will be at the helm of the sword-and-sorcery-meets-sci-fi adaptation. Goyer is currently credited as a screenwriter and executive producer on the project, which will be based on the popular 80s toyline from Mattel. The write-up also stresses that Goyer is “extremely involved” with the film’s development and only passed due to prior engagements, but little other information is available. The reboot currently has a August 05, 2025 release date, so obviously the plan is to get the cast into place soon so that it can enter into production and stay on schedule.
If you don’t know the Nee Brothers, you’re not alone. This project offers a major chance for the “rising stars” to capitalize on their critically acclaimed 2015 indie thrillerBand of Robbers. I remain cautiously optimistic for this one, at least until I can get a handle on just what Goyer’s script and the Nee Brothers' interpretation of it is going to look like. Let’s giveMasters of the Universea shot before we write it off completely, shall we?
Escape Artists’Todd Black,Jason Blumenthal, andSteve Tischwill produce withDeVon Franklin.Matt Milamoversees for Sony. Fingers crossed!
