"Masters of the Universe" Reboot Canceled at Netflix

By Mekishana Pierre

Updated on 7/19/2023 at 5:05 PM

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, Courteney Cox, Dolph Lundgren, 1987.
Getty | Stefanie Keenan
Everett Collection
Getty | Stefanie Keenan
Everett Collection

Netflix's "Master of the Universe" reboot is no more. On July 19, multiple sources told Variety that Netflix had nixed the project, though $30 million has reportedly already been spent on it. Reps for Netflix did not immediately respond to POPSUGAR's request for comment.

A "Masters of the Universe" reboot has been in the works for over a decade, and passed through Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures before landing at Netflix, per Variety. Its journey calls to mind another hotly anticipated movie based on Mattel toys — "Barbie" — which also went through multiple iterations before finally making it to the big screen.

Back in March 2019, it was reported that "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" star Noah Centineo was in talks to star as He-Man in the "Masters of the Universe" reboot. On April 29, 2019, Centineo confirmed his involvement during an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." When Fallon asked about his upcoming projects and whether or not the rumors were true, the actor happily affirmed that he was set to play He-Man in the reboot and joked about his affinity for being in his underwear. "I'm very excited!" he added. "It's quite an opportunity." However, Centineo exited the project in 2021, per Collider, and was set to be replaced by Kyle Allen until the project was scrapped.

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The original Dolph Lundgren and Courteney Cox-led film stemmed from Mattel's toy line, which also spawned the classic '80s animated TV series that aired from 1983 to 1985. For those who aren't as well-versed in the land of Eternia (honestly, what have you been doing with your life?), the franchise follows Prince Adam, the protector of Eternia who transforms into the mighty warrior He-Man with the help of his magical sword. For some reason, the transformation involves shedding his clothes for a harness and speedo, but it was the '80s so we'll let it slide. He-Man's main nemesis, Skeletor, is well-known for becoming the face of various memes, which is probably the only time he's succeeded at anything.