A Masters of the Universe reboot has been in development at Sony for more than a decade. And while the studio recently set a 2021 release date for the film, it really doesn’t seem like they’re any closer to making significant headway on the project. That’s why this latest rumor about the movie isn’t all that surprising. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sony chairman Tom Rothman is mulling over the prospect of selling the film to Netflix.
Discussions between Sony and the streaming service are still in the early stages. However, Rothman’s reasoning behind the decision sounds like it stems from fear of another box office flop. THR notes that the lackluster performance of Men in Black: International earlier this year played a role in Sony’s newfound financial cautiousness. Ironically, the writers of that film, Art Marcum and Matt Holloway, were hired to take a pass at the MotU script back in January. Handing distribution rights over to Netflix would minimize risk to the studio if the film turns out to be a dud.
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If Sony goes this route, Netflix would be the perfect home for He-Man and his compatriots. The platform already airs She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, which premieres its fourth season next month. Additionally, Kevin Smith will produce a sequel to the classic He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon for Netflix.
Sony wouldn’t be the first major film studio to provide Netflix with exclusive content. Paramount has done this in the past, and many suspect that other studios are likely to follow suit.
What do you make of Sony’s potential decision to sell the Masters of the Universe movie to Netflix? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
