Amazon’s Masters Of The Universe film may finally have a director, with Bumblebee and Kubo And The Two Strings’ Travis Knight said to be in ‘final negotiations.’
Tinseltown trade outlets often talk about actors and filmmakers ‘circling’ movie projects and deals, as though they’re little kestrels hovering about looking for their lunch.
The kestrel in question here is Travis Knight, who most recently directed the Transformers spin-off Bumblebee for Paramount Pictures. According to Deadline’s exclusive, Knight’s in “final talks” with Amazon MGM Studios to direct the latest film adaptation of Masters Of The Universe, based on the 1980s animated series and toy line of the same name.
Knight clearly has strong ideas for the film, with Deadline’s sources saying the filmmaker showed up at the studio’s offices with a presentation which laid out his take on He-Man. That presentation impressed Amazon MGM bosses enough...
Tinseltown trade outlets often talk about actors and filmmakers ‘circling’ movie projects and deals, as though they’re little kestrels hovering about looking for their lunch.
The kestrel in question here is Travis Knight, who most recently directed the Transformers spin-off Bumblebee for Paramount Pictures. According to Deadline’s exclusive, Knight’s in “final talks” with Amazon MGM Studios to direct the latest film adaptation of Masters Of The Universe, based on the 1980s animated series and toy line of the same name.
Knight clearly has strong ideas for the film, with Deadline’s sources saying the filmmaker showed up at the studio’s offices with a presentation which laid out his take on He-Man. That presentation impressed Amazon MGM bosses enough...
- 2/14/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
Here we go again. Another year is starting, which means it's time for the "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" movie to get yet another director. Like so many projects stuck in developing hell, it seems like practically every director currently working in Hollywood has, at some point, been involved in this film.
Now, Deadline reports that Travis Knight — the director of "Bumblebee" and "Kubo and the Two Strings," founder and CEO of Laika, and son of Nike co-founder Phil Knight — is the latest name to be attached to the long-in-development "Masters of the Universe" movie from Mattel. The report specifically says he is in "final negotiations" to direct, yet the deal hasn't closed just yet as other elements of the film are still being figured out. Nevertheless, this is exciting news, and brings the project one step closer to actually getting made.
Knight is reportedly bringing along writer...
Now, Deadline reports that Travis Knight — the director of "Bumblebee" and "Kubo and the Two Strings," founder and CEO of Laika, and son of Nike co-founder Phil Knight — is the latest name to be attached to the long-in-development "Masters of the Universe" movie from Mattel. The report specifically says he is in "final negotiations" to direct, yet the deal hasn't closed just yet as other elements of the film are still being figured out. Nevertheless, this is exciting news, and brings the project one step closer to actually getting made.
Knight is reportedly bringing along writer...
- 2/13/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
When you have a script that promises to team Ryan Reynolds and Channing Tatum , do you let it linger on a slush pile? Of course you don't! And so several companies, including Warner Bros., Amazon and Netflix are all submitting hefty bods to secure the new potential project. Calamity Hustle also has writer/directors Aaron and Adam Nee, who last worked together (and with Tatum) on :a[The Lost City]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/the-lost-city/' }.
The story, according to The Hollywood Reporter, concerns a down-on-his-luck former Los Angeles detective-turned-private investigator who, after being shaken down by a vicious crime lord, must track down his estranged brother who is responsible for interfering with a diamond heist.
Even if one of the companies secures the deal, this wouldn't immediately leap into production as the script reportedly requires a little polishing – and you know both stars will want to have input.
The story, according to The Hollywood Reporter, concerns a down-on-his-luck former Los Angeles detective-turned-private investigator who, after being shaken down by a vicious crime lord, must track down his estranged brother who is responsible for interfering with a diamond heist.
Even if one of the companies secures the deal, this wouldn't immediately leap into production as the script reportedly requires a little polishing – and you know both stars will want to have input.
- 12/4/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
A bidding war is currently underway for an action comedy that teams Ryan Reynolds and Channing Tatum as wayward brothers.
Legacy studio Warner Bros. and streaming goliaths Amazon and Netflix are in the midst of trying to acquire Calamity Hustle, a new feature project from Aaron and Adam Nee, the sibling team that found success with their 2022 sleeper hit The Lost City.
The Nee brothers are writing the script and are directing. Reynolds and Tatum would star and produce via their respective banners, Maximum Effort and Free Association. Also producing is Kevin Walsh, who is currently in the awards season mix with Napoleon, as are the Nees via their banner Persons Attempting.
While the number of studios involved may not be high, the price point is steep. According to sources, Warners went in with offers in the $20 million ballpark for each actor. Netflix and Amazon, meanwhile, both went in with...
Legacy studio Warner Bros. and streaming goliaths Amazon and Netflix are in the midst of trying to acquire Calamity Hustle, a new feature project from Aaron and Adam Nee, the sibling team that found success with their 2022 sleeper hit The Lost City.
The Nee brothers are writing the script and are directing. Reynolds and Tatum would star and produce via their respective banners, Maximum Effort and Free Association. Also producing is Kevin Walsh, who is currently in the awards season mix with Napoleon, as are the Nees via their banner Persons Attempting.
While the number of studios involved may not be high, the price point is steep. According to sources, Warners went in with offers in the $20 million ballpark for each actor. Netflix and Amazon, meanwhile, both went in with...
- 12/1/2023
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There is an update about the long-awaited live-action Masters of the Universe project.
A live-adaptation based on the blond barbarian, popularized as part of Mattel toys, is in serious talks with Amazon MGM Studios from Adam and Aaron Nee, the writing and directing team behind The Lost City, via Variety.
Conversations are taking place with Amazon after Netflix dropped a planned version of the Nee Brothers film in July.
Keep reading to find out more…
Netflix spent nearly $30 million in development for the project, which was meant to star Kyle Allen. The streamer walked when the budget, originally set for more than $200 million, could not be meaningfully reduced, via Variety.
The Amazon talks are “tenuous, another source cautions,” but if the studio moves forward, it will need to close new deals with the Nees for a script, and to direct.
Kyle is “still in the mix” to star as He-Man.
A live-adaptation based on the blond barbarian, popularized as part of Mattel toys, is in serious talks with Amazon MGM Studios from Adam and Aaron Nee, the writing and directing team behind The Lost City, via Variety.
Conversations are taking place with Amazon after Netflix dropped a planned version of the Nee Brothers film in July.
Keep reading to find out more…
Netflix spent nearly $30 million in development for the project, which was meant to star Kyle Allen. The streamer walked when the budget, originally set for more than $200 million, could not be meaningfully reduced, via Variety.
The Amazon talks are “tenuous, another source cautions,” but if the studio moves forward, it will need to close new deals with the Nees for a script, and to direct.
Kyle is “still in the mix” to star as He-Man.
- 11/14/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
It looks like Amazon MGM Studios has He-Man’s power sword as the studio is in early talks to produce a live-action “Masters of the Universe” film, according to a insider with knowledge of the project.
Netflix put the property into turnaround after investing $30 million in its development. The project has been bouncing around Hollywood from Mattel and producer Todd Black for over 15 years, with Warner Bros. and Sony, as well as filmmakers like Jon M. Chu and McG temporarily involved.
This recent attempt was shelved due to concerns over the budget, which reportedly ran over $200 million and was shut down even after the filmmakers allegedly brought the costs below $180 million.
This latest version had Kyle Allen — still officially attached — starring as He-Man with Adam and Aaron Nee (“The Lost City”) set to direct.
Should Amazon move forward with the project, they will need to negotiate new agreements with the...
Netflix put the property into turnaround after investing $30 million in its development. The project has been bouncing around Hollywood from Mattel and producer Todd Black for over 15 years, with Warner Bros. and Sony, as well as filmmakers like Jon M. Chu and McG temporarily involved.
This recent attempt was shelved due to concerns over the budget, which reportedly ran over $200 million and was shut down even after the filmmakers allegedly brought the costs below $180 million.
This latest version had Kyle Allen — still officially attached — starring as He-Man with Adam and Aaron Nee (“The Lost City”) set to direct.
Should Amazon move forward with the project, they will need to negotiate new agreements with the...
- 11/14/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
In “Masters of the Universe,” He-Man’s nemesis is the evil wizard Skeletor. In Hollywood, his greatest threat has been a list of studio partners that have sidelined him from the big screen for nearly two decades.
The blond barbarian, based on a popular set of Mattel toys, may finally win the day. Amazon MGM Studios is in serious talks to mount a live-action “Masters of the Universe” movie from Adam and Aaron Nee, the writing and directing team behind “The Lost City,” according to multiple insiders. Conversations are taking place with Amazon after Netflix dropped a planned version of the Nee brothers film in July.
Netflix spent nearly $30 million in development costs over two years for the project, which was meant to star Kyle Allen (“A Haunting in Venice”). The streamer walked away when the tentpole’s budget, originally set for more than $200 million, could not be meaningfully reduced.
The blond barbarian, based on a popular set of Mattel toys, may finally win the day. Amazon MGM Studios is in serious talks to mount a live-action “Masters of the Universe” movie from Adam and Aaron Nee, the writing and directing team behind “The Lost City,” according to multiple insiders. Conversations are taking place with Amazon after Netflix dropped a planned version of the Nee brothers film in July.
Netflix spent nearly $30 million in development costs over two years for the project, which was meant to star Kyle Allen (“A Haunting in Venice”). The streamer walked away when the tentpole’s budget, originally set for more than $200 million, could not be meaningfully reduced.
- 11/14/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
A new live-action movie based on ‘Masters of the Universe’ toys is reportedly “dead” at Netflix.Insiders said that close to $30 million has already been spent on development costs for the movie, based on He-Man and a slew of other iconic figures by Barbie maker Mattel, but the streaming giant has decided to drop the project.A spokesperson for Mattel confirmed to Variety the ‘Masters of the Universe’ film is no longer at Netflix, but did not provide any further comment.A Netflix spokesperson had no comment. The project’s torturous journey to the screen goes back to 2007, with studios Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures in talks over the project.Dolph Lundgren previously played He-Man in a previous ‘Masters of the Universe’ film from 1987.Variety added “five individuals with knowledge” of the film said it was dropped by Netflix “over budget concerns”.The publication added the movie was due to...
- 7/19/2023
- by BANG Showbiz Reporter
- Bang Showbiz
If you were looking forward to seeing the live-action Masters of the Universe movie on Netflix, you’re going to be disappointed. Variety has heard from multiple sources that the project is officially dead at the streaming service and that Mattel is actively seeking another buyer.
Netflix had already shelled out quite a bit of cash on the Masters of the Universe movie, with some insiders saying that close to $30 million has already been spent on development costs; Other sources say it was twice that figure. The movie was set to be directed by Adam and Aaron Nee (The Lost City) and would have starred Kyle Allen (A Haunting in Venice) as He-Man. A spokesperson for Mattel confirmed to Variety that Masters of the Universe is no longer in development at Netflix, but had nothing further to add.
Related Masters of the Universe: Mattel unveils action figure of Motherboard...
Netflix had already shelled out quite a bit of cash on the Masters of the Universe movie, with some insiders saying that close to $30 million has already been spent on development costs; Other sources say it was twice that figure. The movie was set to be directed by Adam and Aaron Nee (The Lost City) and would have starred Kyle Allen (A Haunting in Venice) as He-Man. A spokesperson for Mattel confirmed to Variety that Masters of the Universe is no longer in development at Netflix, but had nothing further to add.
Related Masters of the Universe: Mattel unveils action figure of Motherboard...
- 7/18/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
“Masters of the Universe,” a live-action movie based on He-Man and a slew of other popular Mattel toys, is officially dead at Netflix, according to multiple Variety sources.
Insiders said that close to $30 million has already been spent on development costs and the cash that’s been shelled out to hold on to talent – like previously announced lead Kyle Allen and the film’s heatseeking directing duo Adam and Aaron Nee (“The Lost City”). Other knowledgable sources estimate all-in costs for development at twice that figure.
The latest headaches for He-Man and friends only further complicates the property’s torturous journey to the screen, one that goes as far back as 2007. It’s a long road that’s crossed through two other studios, Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures, and countless writers and directors like Jon M. Chu and McG. The latest implosion at Netflix, according to five individuals with knowledge of the project,...
Insiders said that close to $30 million has already been spent on development costs and the cash that’s been shelled out to hold on to talent – like previously announced lead Kyle Allen and the film’s heatseeking directing duo Adam and Aaron Nee (“The Lost City”). Other knowledgable sources estimate all-in costs for development at twice that figure.
The latest headaches for He-Man and friends only further complicates the property’s torturous journey to the screen, one that goes as far back as 2007. It’s a long road that’s crossed through two other studios, Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures, and countless writers and directors like Jon M. Chu and McG. The latest implosion at Netflix, according to five individuals with knowledge of the project,...
- 7/18/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
For decades, American Indigenous and Native communities were represented by two prominent characters in mainstream studio animation: Pocahontas and Tiger Lily. With Spirit Rangers, creator Karissa Valencia is changing that.
“We wanted to redo a lot of that in terms of source material,” the Chumash and Mexican creator tells The Hollywood Reporter of the inspirations for historical representations of Indigenous peoples in animation. “We were doing our homework, our research. We were not just basing it off of what we did a Google search on.”
From Netflix Animation, Laughing Wild and SuperProd Animation, the series follows Kodi, Summer and Eddy Skycedar, three siblings whose blended Chumash and Cowlitz family work as rangers in the fictional Xus National Park in California. While the adults monitor the park during the day, the siblings solve various problems by activating beaded necklaces that portal them to the magical dimension of Spirit Park. Once there,...
“We wanted to redo a lot of that in terms of source material,” the Chumash and Mexican creator tells The Hollywood Reporter of the inspirations for historical representations of Indigenous peoples in animation. “We were doing our homework, our research. We were not just basing it off of what we did a Google search on.”
From Netflix Animation, Laughing Wild and SuperProd Animation, the series follows Kodi, Summer and Eddy Skycedar, three siblings whose blended Chumash and Cowlitz family work as rangers in the fictional Xus National Park in California. While the adults monitor the park during the day, the siblings solve various problems by activating beaded necklaces that portal them to the magical dimension of Spirit Park. Once there,...
- 6/15/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In the fall of 2019, The New York Times ran a story titled, “Netflix Goes All Out to Wow Children as Streaming Wars Intensify.”
In the writer’s effort to showcase the significant foray being made by the streamer, he pointed to Chris Nee, the prolific kids TV creator responsible for the groundbreaking series Doc McStuffins, who’d decamped from Disney to Netflix with a sweeping deal the December before. A year or so in, Nee already had five new narrative series in the pipeline, including progressive entries like Ridley Jones (featuring a young female adventurer and a nonbinary bison) and Ada Twist, Scientist (about a young Black female scientist). In short order, she had become the poster child for what was possible when Netflix’s ambitions and resources coalesce.
Now, nearly four years later, Netflix has quietly scaled back its efforts in the kids space — letting pacts expire and high-profile...
In the writer’s effort to showcase the significant foray being made by the streamer, he pointed to Chris Nee, the prolific kids TV creator responsible for the groundbreaking series Doc McStuffins, who’d decamped from Disney to Netflix with a sweeping deal the December before. A year or so in, Nee already had five new narrative series in the pipeline, including progressive entries like Ridley Jones (featuring a young female adventurer and a nonbinary bison) and Ada Twist, Scientist (about a young Black female scientist). In short order, she had become the poster child for what was possible when Netflix’s ambitions and resources coalesce.
Now, nearly four years later, Netflix has quietly scaled back its efforts in the kids space — letting pacts expire and high-profile...
- 6/8/2023
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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