In 1982, Mattel revolutionized the toy industry when it unleashed its line of 5.5-inch action figures, Masters of the Universe. The following year, Filmation released an accompanying animated series, like all toy lines in the ’80s, and a generation of kids would never be the same. Now, nearly forty years later, a new generation will get to witness the ongoing battle between He-Man and Skeletor in Masters of the Universe: Revelation when it comes to Netflix on July 23!
Executive produced by none other than Kevin Smith, MOTU: Revelation promises to continue the continuity of the iconic ’80s series, while also promising to offer a more mature — though still all ages-friendly — look into the world of Eternia.
“[O]ur cartoon chronicle is an inviting, engrossing adventure for the whole family,” wrote the director of Clerks and Jay and Silent Bob Reboot on Facebook, “which is something I rarely get to do: work without an R rating of some sort!”
In addition to leading the writing staff — which includes official Friend of the NOC, Marc Bernardin, natch — Smith was able to enlist an all-star cast of actors to inhabit the Masters, including some familiar voices from the View Askewniverse, Gotham City, and a Galaxy Far Far Away, including Mark Hamill as Skeletor, Chris Wood (Supergirl) as He-Man, Griffin Newman (The Tick) as Orko, and the original voice of Skeletor, Alan Oppenheimer as Moss Man. The Fatman Beyond host also pulled from the DC Animated Universe with Justice League Unlimited stars Phil LaMarr, Susan Eisenberg, and Kevin Conroy adding their talents to the cast!
“A big reason we got such top tier voice talent is because people genuinely want to be a part of this world,” said Smith. “So many of us were touched by these stories and these characters early in our lives and were so happy to come back to Eternia.”
Because the Masters of the Universe roots belong to the toy aisle, Mattel also used today’s announcement to reveal a new line of action figures for kids and collectors alike. The initial wave of the “Masterverse” line will consist of 7-inch figures with 30 points of articulation and more modern designs — akin to the MOTU Classics line than the revamped Origins one from last year. Along with He-Man, Skeletor, Evil-Lyn, and Moss Man, Battle Cat, and Skelegod — presumably, Skeletor finally learns the secrets of Grayskull in Revelation — round out the assortment.
“Last year, we set the stage for the 2021 reboot of Masters of the Universe through the launch of nostalgic action figures and a Castle Grayskullā¢ playset, that offer a retro play experience, to much fanfare,” said PJ Lewis, Vice President, Global Head ā Action Figures, Mattel. “Our new line, designed for collectors and new fans alike, provides a modern interpretation of these classic characters, and I canāt wait for you to check it out.”
It is indeed a great time to be a fan of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. The nostalgia of the ’80s is a powerful drug, and Kevin Smith is happy to be your dealer.
“Mattel owns this entire vast library of that artwork, so right away we wanted the show to open with classic pieces of that artwork,” said Smith. “Mattel has been committed to this look since they first started as a toy line in the ’80s, and now weāre leaning into it and honoring it.”
Part one of Masters of the Universe: Revelation will release on Netflix July 23. The Masterverse action figures will be available at major retailers on June 15. See below for more images from the animated series!
