Masters of the Universe…how many of you grew up watching this show and playing with the toys? How many parents know all about Castle Grayskull, HeMan, Teela, and Skeletor because their kids were obsessed?? Miss it? If so, (and even if not) you are in for a treat when the new Masters of the Universe movie is released on June 5th!
I was part of a virtual press conference with the cast, Director, Producers and President of Mattel Studios for a chat about the making of the movie. The event was moderated by Kevin McCarthy and in attendance were Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, Camila Mendes as Teela, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms, Morena Baccarin as Sorciere, Director Travis Knight, Producers Jason Blumenthal and Todd Black, and President of Mattel Studios Robbie Brenner.
Earlier in the week the Premier took place and true to the movie’s feel (more about that in a minute), they turned TCL Chinese Theatre into a life-sized Castle Grayskull and included a drone show. Nicholas said it was surreal to be at the Theatre and to be a part of something big…magical! The producers said this had the same feel as walking into Star Wars for the first time as a kid. Excitement, and a sense of surreal…are we really here?!
The journey for the movie took 18 years from initial concept to final cuts. For the Director, this was something that was huge part of his life from childhood. He even made his own HeMan movie as a kid and now 40 years later he is directing his childhood favorite! The Producers talked about being stewards and guardians of the fandom and wanting to make sure that the movie was made the “right way”.
Some of the questions that were asked of the participants (not exact quotes) and comments made:
Idris Elba (Man-at-Arms) – What little thing helped you find your character? “the mustache! When I put that on I was able to transform and feel more like Man-at-Arms”.
Nicolas (He-Man) – How were you able to transform your characters into one another? “When transforming into He-Man I made him larger than life. The incantation was very powerful and with that the realization that the right to say the incantation was earned.” He was asked if he really shouted the incantation that loud and he said yes! It was from the heart and very much him. He didn’t practice it a lot because he wanted it to sound real and not scripted which it would have if he had done several rehearsals. He also watched the “original” He-Man over and over to make sure that he was holding the sword exactly the same.
Camila (Teela) – My relationship with my father was very close and it helped set character for Teela with Man-at-Arms. Another part mentioned was that all of the characters went through a full arc so you know their story. Some were short (like Goatman) but they were there!
Mattel President Robbie Brenner – The toys in your life have nostalgia and as such, Mattel needed to make sure that each one kept the integrity of the original. Not only will they charm OG fans but help to bring in a new generation of Masters of the Universe fans.
Now for the sets and costumes (my favorite part!)…they are REAL! When the actors walked on to the set for the first time, they were stunned about how real it felt. Castle Grayskull’s steps were treacherous in some parts, and they had to be careful not to fall. The room with the sword is not green screen, it is a set. Skeletor’s costume is a real costume, not EVA foam, mo-cap dots, or blank suits to digitally generate clothing later. Fight scenes were not CGI, they were real. Goatman took 8 hours in makeup to prepare to make sure he looked just right. Things like this make a movie, well, a movie!
Between watching the trailer (several times) and sitting in on the press conference listening to the heart that went into its making, it sounds like an exciting, and action packed 2 hours and 12 minutes and I can’t wait to see it!
Check out the official trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Bp4LR1KB1c
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