He-Man & The Masters of the Universe (What to Know)

John Woo's He-Man remake is now further delayed. The movie based on the 80's cartoon series about the most powerful man in the universe, He-Man, who goes against the evil forces of Skeletor to save the planet Eternia & protect the secrets of Castle Grayskull has been set up at John Woo's company for a while, but according to a representative of Lions Rock, the project is still a few light years away from coming to fruition. "John is attached, but the project isn't a priority or high on his radar. Essentially, [he] lost enthusiasm", the source tells us. Even with a script for the film having been turned in it is not clear if it will get optioned should the film ultimately get the greenlight. It's just as likely that rewrites or another writer might be hired to add some ink to the mightly Adam's story.

All in all this is surprising, since the company apparently started reaching out to a number of actors last year to seek out their interest in playing the lead role. The one thing suggesting that the film is still going ahead though is the report that Mattel is in "active" talks with Lions Rock about the film, indicating that not everyone has lost zeal in the project.

ADDED NEWS UPDATE BELOW (12/01/06)

Some sources have informed us that executive producer Rodney Ferrell, of Fox 2000 pics explained to them that the rights to "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" have been let go. "This was a project set up at Fox", begins Ferrell, "but in the recent months we gave the project back to Mattel and are no longer involved." In the film the story would have revolved around He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe, who goes against the evil Skeletor to save the planet Eternia & protect the secrets of Castle Grayskull. The film has had a tumultuous journey, being delayed multiple times, has seen several writers come & go and, as we reported earlier, even had John Woo (Face/Off) attached as the producer & director. At this point, the film is being thrown back to Mattel, who may still be interested in making the live-action film. let's hope to see if this project can be pulled off.

Coming: TBA