Eternia appears to be thriving on Amazon with developments in the realm of live-action adaptations. Reports indicate that Amazon is progressing with a long-delayed live-action film of Masters of the Universe and has announced updates on a live-action She-Ra series that many had potentially overlooked.
Variety has reported that Amazon has engaged Heidi Schreck, known for her work on Billions and Nurse Jackie, as the writer and executive producer for the live-action She-Ra series. The idea first emerged in 2021, with Nicole Kassell (The Woodsman) as the director and executive producer, joined by Robin Sweet from DreamWorks Animation. The involvement of DreamWorks likely stems from its production of the Netflix animated series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. However, this new adaptation is unrelated to the animated series, focusing merely on the character.
If the series materializes, it will mark the first time She-Ra has been portrayed in live-action format. This development coincides with director Travis Knight’s ongoing production of a live-action Masters of the Universe film, which features Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Mendes. Although there are currently no plans for a crossover, this signifies a considerable investment in the Mattel-owned Masters of the Universe franchise, potentially paving the way for collaborative ventures if these projects succeed.
There is notable caution surrounding this undertaking due to the mixed history of previous Masters of the Universe adaptations. While most past attempts have focused on He-Man, this new venture centers on a She-Ra TV series. He-Man and She-Ra’s shared tone presents challenges in transitioning to live-action. Whether adopting a serious approach or a fantastical, playful angle akin to animation, both require significant resources for training, costumes, sets, and creatures, which have historically ensured the franchise’s success in animated formats.
Despite these challenges, particularly with progress on both He-Man and She-Ra projects, they seem to be moving forward. The appointment of a distinguished writer like Schreck, who was recognized with a Pulitzer Prize nomination for her play What the Constitution Means to Me, signals a strong commitment to quality. It remains to be seen whether these ambitious endeavors will meet expectations.
