After Netflix's rejection of a planned live-action Masters of the Universe film, it may be on the cusp of finding a new home with Amazon, Variety reports.
News broke that Netflix had rejected the project last summer, after $30 million had reportedly been spent on its development, including bringing Kyle Allen on board to play He-Man, Adam and Aaron Nee as directors, and David Callaham writing the script. Budget concerns were among the reasons cited for Netflix stepping away, with Variety reporting the budget was originally set for over $200 million and "could not be meaningfully reduced."
Masters of the Universe has been hot potatoed around studios since 2007, jumping from Warner Bros. to Sony Pictures before reaching Netflix, making Amazon just the latest in a long line of stakeholders.
Accordingly to Variety, Amazon's version of the deal would see Allen still on board to play He-Man, and Mattel producer Todd Black is reportedly determined to get the film a "significant theatrical release." What's more, the budget has reportedly dipped somewhat, though only to $170 million.
However, while Amazon MGM Studios is reportedly in "serious talks" to take it on, the deal is nonetheless "tenuous" and would need to strike new deals with the Nee brothers to direct and polish the script. Additionally, the rights to Masters of the Universe are deeply complex, with DreamWorks Animation owner NBCUniversal involved as well as Mattel, allowing both major companies to potentially interfere with sequel production.
The Masters of the Universe franchise has seen a resurgence of interest in recent years, in part thanks to Netflix's animated series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, as well as Masters of the Universe: Revelation. A sequel to the latter, Masters of the Universe: Revolution, is currently planned.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.
