Netflix cancels Masters of the Universe movie despite already spending $30 million

Masters of the Universe Netflix
(Image credit: Netflix)

The Masters of the Universe movie is officially dead at Netflix, despite the streamer reportedly already spending over $30 million on developing it. 

Based on the He-Man and other Mattel toys, the live-action movie has been in the works at Netflix since 2019, after landing there from other distributors. However, according to Variety, it’s no longer happening, adding another delay to the long-awaited adaptation. The issue, the publication reports, was over budget concerns.

Mattel is reportedly looking for a new home for the movie already, and it’s clearly an important IP for the company with CEO Ynon Kreiz recently comparing it to "Marvel and DC". He told The New Yorker: "It’s hundreds of pages of characters and sorcerers and vehicles and weaponry – you name it. And then you flip through the pages, and here’s a movie, and here’s a movie, and here’s a TV show. It’s endless!"

It may be a while yet, though, before we see the blonde-haired superhero grace our screens. But while we wait, check out some of our dream casting picks for when we finally see the characters in live-action again. 

Fay Watson
Deputy Entertainment Editor

I’m the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering TV and film for the Total Film and SFX sections online. I previously worked as a Senior Showbiz Reporter and SEO TV reporter at Express Online for three years. I've also written for The Resident magazines and Amateur Photographer, before specializing in entertainment.