He-Man and the Masters of the Universe are set to return in a big way, with a CGI animated series slated for release on Netflix in the near future. Fans of the classic cartoon and action figures are eagerly awaiting the streaming release date of this icon on their screens.
During Netflix's Geeked Week event in June 2021, it was officially revealed that the belovedProperty of the Masters series would be rebooted in CGI form. While the release date has been kept under wraps, here's everything we know so far. Let's delve into the anticipated show's details and get you up to speed.
The Masters Return to Action
The upcoming series is a direct sequel to the original 1983-1985 Filmation cartoon and the 2002-2004 2D animated series, bypassing the events of the 1987 live-action movie. It's set to chronicle the classic battles between He-Man and his Masters of the Universe friends against the evil Skeletor and his forces.
Kevin Smith (Clerks, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot) and his production company, View Askew Productions, are executive producing the series alongside Mattel Television, with Rob David (Masters of the Universe: Revelation) acting as showrunner.
The Hero for the 21st Century
He-Man, the alter ego of Prince Adam of Eternia, is expected to receive a modern refresh for the new series. While the core values of truth, power, and honor will remain the same, we can expect a more mature and nuanced take on the character for a new generation of audiences.
Kevin Smith has hinted that the new He-Man will grapple with adult themes and struggles, making him a more relatable hero for today's viewers. This could signal an exciting evolution of the character, who has remained largely unchanged since his creation by Mattel in the early 1980s.
An All-Star Cast
The upcoming CGI series has attracted an impressive ensemble of voice actors, including Chris Wood (Supergirl, The Vampire Diaries) as He-Man himself. Mark Hamill (Star Wars, Batman: The Animated Series) has signed on to voice Skeletor, with Lena Headey (Game of Thrones) set to play Evil-Lyn.
Cithernea Hill (Black neighbors) will voice Teela, Adam's childhood friend and love interest, with Tim mathematicians (Get Out, The Good Place) cast as Man-At-Arms, Prince Adam's moral mentor and weapon master. Rounding out the cast are Arcade Fire's Win Butler as Cringer/Battlecat, and Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) as Captain of the Guard.
What to Expect from the New Series
Judging from the initial teaser trailer released during Geeked Week, the new Masters of the Universe series will feature stunning CGI animation and epic battle sequences. The hi-tech visuals are sure to be a significant departure from the simplistic designs of the original Filmation cartoon.
The story is also expected to branch out from the classic lore, introducing new characters and storylines to keep fans on the edge of their seats. While the core premise remains the same – the eternal struggle between good and evil on the mystical planet Eternia – the new series promises to delve deeper into the rich mythology established over the decades.
New Adventures on Eternia
The upcoming Masters of the Universe series is set to explore uncharted territories of Eternia, taking viewers on a journey across new lands and landscapes. This could include legendary realms like the deadly Deserts of Corak, the ancient Neckar River, or even the hidden realms deep within the hazardous…)universe.
Fans can also expect to see new allies and adversaries joining the fray, as the battle for Eternia's fate continues to unfold. With such a rich history and wealth of characters to draw from, the possibilities are endless for fresh storylines and epic adventures.
An Iconic Theme Song Reborn
In a recent interview, Kevin Smith revealed that the classic Masters of the Universe theme song would be reimagined for the new series, with a "heavy metal, hard rock guitar riff" providing the ultimate callback to the original cartoon. This musical update promises to give the show a more modern and intense feel, while still paying homage to the beloved theme that fans know and love.
The updated theme will be penned by the legendary guns N' Roses axeman Slash, who has been announced as the series' official composer. Slash's heavy metal credentials and affinity for the source material make him the perfect choice to honor the original theme song while giving it a fresh, modern twist.
As the Netflix release date for He-Man and the Masters of the Universe draws closer, fans eagerly await this thrilling return to the battle for Eternia. With its promise of stunning animation, engaging storytelling, and an all-star cast, this groundbreaking new series is poised to capture the hearts and minds of viewers, both old and new. Keep your eyes peeled for official announcements, and in the meantime, let the power of Grayskull run through your veins!