‘Masters of the Universe’ live-action film set for 2019 release

Eighties kids will be delighted to know that “Masters of the Universe” will get a new live-action film, and it’ll be hitting cinemas in 2019.

Sony Pictures recently added two major titles to its release calendar: “Masters of the Universe,” which will be seeing a December 18, 2019 launch; and “Angry Birds 2,” which will open in theaters on September 20, 2019. There’s also going to be an animated “Spider-Man” film, whose release date has been set to December 14, 2018.

Exhibitor Relations also tweeted about this new development.

By the power of Grayskull! Sony's MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE stakes out December 18, 2019. He-Man!

— Exhibitor Relations (@ERCboxoffice) April 27, 2017

There are scant details about the project, but McG (“Charlie’s Angels”) could possibly direct, as he has spent years developing the “Masters of the Universe” film.

“I think we want to honor the fan base, first and foremost,” McG told ComingSoon.

“We also need to be cognizant of the incredible resonance of what Kevin Feige is doing with Marvel, and the balance of full-bodied entertainment. That it’s both credible and emotional, action-packed, and the story of a hero’s journey. It’s the genesis of He-Man, it’s the becoming of He-Man… We’re not going to stop until we get it right.”

McG claims to be a fan of the “Masters of the Universe” action figures, which first made a splash in 1982.

The Mattel toy line centered on a bunch of warriors/weightlifters who look like they spend too much money on protein shakes. Its story follows Prince Adam, a grown man with a silly haircut and a tendency to wear fabulous purple tights.

When Prince Adam is bequeathed a magic sword by the enigmatic Sorceress, however, he gains the ability to transform into He-Man, a half-naked manly man with really big muscles. As He-Man, he works alongside fellow warriors known as the Masters of the Universe to defend the realm of Eternia from the evil Skeletor.

The line proved extremely popular, in part thanks to an advertising strategy that involved an animated television show called “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,” which began airing in 1983.

The success of the “Masters of the Universe” property spawned a spin-off starring Prince Adam’s long-lost sister, Princess Adora a.k.a. She-Ra, who also got her own action figures series and TV show.

The popularity of “Masters of the Universe” made a live-action film possible in 1987. Directed by Gary Goddard, the original “Masters of the Universe” movie starred Dolph Lungren as He-Man and Frank Langella as Skeletor. The movie was both a critical and commercial failure.

The “Masters of the Universe” IP declined in popularity as the ‘80s wore on, however, which urged Mattel to rejuvenate the franchise with a new toy line simply called “He-Man,” whose release was accompanied by the 1990 “The New Adventures of He-Man” TV series. Sadly, these efforts would prove futile, and it would not be until 2002 that Mattel would try again with a rebooted toy line and animated series. Unfortunately, this second attempt to revive interest in the series would also lead to lackluster results.

In 2008, Mattel and famed toy designers Four Horsemen Studios teamed up to produce a line of “Masters of the Universe Classics” action figures aimed at adult collectors. The line has expanded the franchise’s mythos to bridge the numerous gaps between its various iterations, including the ill-fated 1987 movie and the 2002 reboot. So far, “Masters of the Universe Classics” has proven immensely popular with fans of the IP, and remains in production to this day.

“Masters of the Universe” will become part of a long line of beloved ‘80s properties that Hollywood has milked. We already have “Transformers,” “G.I. Joe,” “Smurfs,” “Jem and the Holograms,” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movies… does this mean we can expect “Thundercats,” “Silverhawks,” and “Centurions” next? — BM, GMA News