BACKSTORY:
In 2012, a friend of mine shared some intriguing news: Mattel, the renowned toy company, was pondering the fate of the beloved HE-Man and Masters of the Universe franchise. It seemed they were grappling internally with how to revitalize Prince Adam and his crew. Word had it that they were exploring external options, seeking creators and filmmakers to breathe new life into this iconic universe. They reached out to a select group of artists and animators, posing a fundamental question:
"What would you do with HE-Man, and how would you update it for today's audience?"
As a devoted HE-Man fan since childhood (it was my very first toy and the source of my early drawing adventures featuring muscle-bound men on Tigers), I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by.
I knew I had to seize it.
My pitch to Mattel was clear: an action-packed short film. With the popularity of shows like Game of Thrones, I recognized the need for a gritty and intense take. What I proposed was a vision I'd been longing to see for three decades—the ultimate showdown between HE-Man and Skeletor. With my background as an action director and my expertise in MMA and fight choreography, I believed I was uniquely positioned to do justice to this epic clash.
Gone were the days of rock-throwing battles from the '80s. I aimed to deliver raw, bare-knuckle action, where only one would emerge victorious. It was a visceral experience, filled with sweat, death, and blood, offering catharsis like never before. It was brutal, intense, and unlike anything fans had witnessed.
The fantastic part? Mattel loved it. They granted me a (micro)budget to turn this vision into reality!
