Justin Marks recently had a discussion with Toyfare where he puts a lot of the rumors circling round the net to rest. We find the story and large portion of the interview through IESB. I have ripped off an excerpt of the interview that has resounded well with myself:
How are you going to incorporate all the..let’s say disparate elements of the He-Man mythology?
He-Man is sword-and-sandals meets science fiction. If you avoid it and just try to make it sword and sandals, then it becomes a boring movie. If you just try to make it science fiction, it’s going to be really kitschy and weird, and it’s not going to be true to He-Man. You have to make it both. So we have to come up with specific ideas, grounded, that would spawn a world that was people carrying around swords, and yet, guys like Tri-Klops running around with his spinning visor and this sort of nano-technological way about him. What is the sorcery that can create stuff like that?
So you’re really sticking fairly closely to the original world?
There’s some stuff going around…we should clear that up. There’s some rumor spreading that he’s a soldier in the Iraqi war. Where did they get that? This is an Eternian movie and it’s a story about an Eternian hero. We’re not going to Earth, here. We’re not going to the modern world. We’re not going to a strip mall in the Valley. [Laughs] By the way, I think there are really great things about the original Masters of the Universe.
If you go on to read the interview Marks, goes on to discuss; working with Mattel, casting non – wrestlers and mentions this being a “Skeletor movie” in regards to the villain. To be honest I was quite surprised when I read this interview because I was on board with everything that was said in the interview. After almost a year of hearing different He-Man rumors that left me assuming that it would be shit, I am now left asking the question “Could it be good?”
It is great that Marks has come out to the fans in order to let them know that he plans to “keep it real.” This is what people want, because they liked the story the first time around, and they want to see the He Man universe in the He Man film. Marks correctly talks about the universe being a cross between science fiction and sword and sandal and if he can bring the gritty world of moss covered stone castles with the crazy inventions of science fiction I think we may have a whole boatload of awesome.
When I woke up this morning I did not think I would be saying that I am now willing to give He-Man another chance… but here I am. With the success of Transformers I think all toy-makers see the potential cash-grab that has been enjoyed by the comic book lords for the past decade. The best way to maximize this money is by putting out a franchise that is not only enjoyed by fans, but is a story that may be enjoyed by all.
She-Ra, we can hardly wait for you.
After reading his script for Voltron, I’m not a Justin Marks supporter. The beginning of this interview paints Marks as being a great supporter of the fans and that eh took great care with this movie. If that is true, then why didn’t he take that kind of care with Voltron?
For a taste of how bad he can make things, just check out my website. I have a full 15 page review on his script for Voltron. Pray to whatever God you believe in that he doesn’t screw up He-Man.
I will stand by Yor to the death Seeler!
So, in other words, it will be both boring and wierd?
Gotcha.
Perhaps one should just remake one of two films from 1983.
Repeat after me.
Yor.
Krull.
They were sword and sandals meets sci-fi.
And yes, they were boring and wierd.
Well I like the idea of a he-man movie seening as how the re-boot animated series got off the ground for a short fight. It all sounds good in theory but Im waiting till I see something on film b4 I break out the wallet.
I’m more like Cringer i’m afraid…..but there is a Battle Cat inside me waiting to pounce.
I have my suspicions that you are Triclops Phil Gee
As long as they stick to few basic rules they should be fine.
No talking lion.
No Orko.
No earth. (they doing it already)
No lesson at the end of the day.
No Dolph Lundgren (sorry Dolph)
If they do that I will be first in line to see that movie.
The guy mentioned Triclops so now i can trust that he knows what he’s talking about. I’m just going to be patient on this one and see what we get. There is so much tricksy stuff to get around when adapting He-Man.
His name for starters….just think about it and say it aloud.
I am all for this project and it sounds like this guys taking the right approach.
Treat it like that Simpsons episode, “Everytime something doesnt make sense…it was a wizard”
I think the combination of Fantasy and Sci Fi would work well in this case. Imagine a stone clad Castle Grayskull with internal techie wall panels to open the gates etc. It would be like Jabba’s Palace in Jedi.
Plus people like Man At Arms could be seriously cool.
The biggest hurdle they need to get over is creating a transformation from Adam to He Man without it being camp or cringe worthy.