Despite largely positive reviews, Masters of the Universe grossed only $114 million at the worldwide box office. The movie was considered a box office flop, but quickly became a streaming hit when it debuted on Prime Video.
Was being at #1 for five straight weeks enough to convince Amazon MGM Studios to move forward with a sequel? Given that the first instalment cost as much as $200 million, that's a big ask, but it could happen.
When The Hollywood Reporter spoke with filmmaker Travis Knight, he appeared dissatisfied with how Masters of the Universe's release was handled...even if that streaming success could ultimately be what leads to the story continuing.
"Its life on streaming was much more important to Amazon than its life in the theaters," Knight explained. "It’s not something I understood going into it. I wanted their faith in us as filmmakers and in the movie to be rewarded in a way that wasn’t to my hopes and expectations. The film deserved a better fate than it got, but I’ve made peace with it."
Whether the door is closed on him returning isn't clear, but the trade notes that Amazon insiders countered by saying the company considers the "complementary value of theatrical and streaming when greenlighting a project."
During a separate interview with ScreenRant, Knight was asked how likely he believes Masters of the Universe 2 is. Reminding fans that the decision isn't down to him, he emphasised that he's proud of the movie he made for fans of the beloved franchise.
"These things are out of our control. It was such a joy making that movie; I had so much fun working with that team," Knight enthused. "We had so much fun, and I think that comes through in the experience of watching the movie."
"In the end, these sorts of decisions are out of our control; you always imagine where these people’s lives go after the end of the movie, and if the universe, in its wisdom, asks us to make more of these things, we would be delighted to give them more."
"But, in the end, that’s out of our control," he continued, "which is why every single movie you make, you put everything you have into it, and you just hope that the movie lives on its own and finds connection with the people you’re trying to reach."
Masters of the Universe told a complete story, but also ended in a way that set the stage for She-Ra to make her debut in a potential sequel.
Lauren Saliu, who played She-Ra in the movie's post-credits scene, previously told us, "I mean, I'd be absolutely open to [a sequel]. To play a character like that would be an amazing opportunity. I would be super grateful. And to be able to use my skills as well that I've worked hard to develop would also be amazing to incorporate into a role."
"So yeah, if he comes calling, let's talk. If he thinks there's someone else he has in mind that would be more suited for the role, then fine. But I'm a big believer in whatever is meant to be will be."
In Masters of the Universe, director Travis Knight brings the legendary franchise back to the big screen in this epic live-action adventure. After 15 years apart, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia, where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto).
To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe.
Masters of the Universe is now streaming on Prime Video.