The next live-action Masters of the Universe the film has fans cautiously optimistic, but early plot details have sparked concerns about comparisons due to the story being set on Earth.
I was recently having a conversation with a friend who is a huge He-Man fan and, as we were talking, he pointed out how the details of the reported story are very similar to Disney’s 2012 story. John Cartera film that, although critically acclaimed, failed to strike gold at the box office.
Both films center on a protagonist who is thrown into an alien world where he must rediscover himself and rise to the occasion, and it’s hard not to see how Masters of the Universe could tread similar thematic and narrative ground.
John Carter was directed by Andrea Stantonand adapted Edgar Rice Burroughs’iconic science fiction novel A princess from Mars.
The story follows war-weary Civil War veteran John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is unexpectedly transported to the planet Barsoom (Mars). There, he finds himself embroiled in a conflict that forces him to shed his apathy, discover his potential, and help save a dying world.
Likewise, the Masters of the Universe the plot reinvents Prince Adam, who will play him Nicola Galitzineas an ordinary man living a mundane life on Earth.
Unbeknownst to him, he is the lost prince of Eternia. When Adam discovers his long-lost Power Sword, he is transported back to Eternia to face the evil Skeletor.Jared Leto) and fulfill his destiny as He-Man.
Both films center on reluctant heroes who must embrace their true selves to save alien worlds on the brink of destruction.
In the main story structure, the normal Earthling is transported to a fantasy world, learns their secret heritage and becomes a hero, it feels like a beat-for-beat retelling with some aesthetic changes.
Where John Carter brought us the desolate landscapes of Mars and the warring factions, Masters of the Universe move on to Eternia’s mix of science fiction and fantasy.
John Carter struggled to find its audience, despite solid reviews praising its graphics and adventurous tone. Its marketing has famously stumbled. The legacy of the story is one of the inspirations for modern science fiction franchises such as Star Wars AND Avatars.
The film has been a victim of being perceived as derivative, despite the fact that its source material was the source of many clichés of the genre.
Want Masters of the Universe suffer the same fate? The film risks being perceived as a John Carter redux, trading Martian deserts for eternal castles, with his Earthly origin story doing little to distinguish him as uniquely He-Man.
One of the biggest criticisms of the plot of Masters of the Universe it is his decision to ground Prince Adam on Earth, working a “boring office job”, with Eternia reduced to a childhood memory.
While this setup provides a recognizable starting point for general audiences, it’s a far cry from the rich mythology that fans of the classic He-Man cartoons and toys are close to my heart.
The original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe the cartoon leaned into its camp and off-the-wall storytelling, fully embracing Eternia’s mix of magic, technology, and heroic battles.
Fans expected a sweeping fantasy adventure that stayed true to that spirit, not a retread of a “hidden destiny” plot.
There are also these wonderful colorful and established characters of Masters of the Universe to play with and the nostalgia they bring. Characters like Teela (Camila Mendes), Evil-Lyn (Alison Brie) and Man at Arms (Idris Elba) are the most beloved staples of the franchise.
Director Travis Knight (Hornet, Kubo and the Two-String) is known for blending heart with spectacle, which could give Masters of the Universe the edge it needs.
The film’s success will depend on how well it balances nostalgia with this new direction of storytelling.
In the center, both John Carter AND Masters of the Universe explore themes of identity, destiny and heroism. The risk lies in Masters of the Universe changing the unique and interesting history and lore of the Masters of the Universe and making it seem like a rehash of more than just that John Carterbut countless other science fiction and fantasy epics before it.
However, with a creative vision, a script, and strong performances, there’s still a chance it could be better than what fans expect.
However, for fans hoping to see the Eternia mythos at the center of the story, the plot feels like a missed opportunity.
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
