"Masters of the Universe" has emerged as a cinematic marvel, a testament to director Travis Knight's visionary storytelling. Building on his expertise from acclaimed stop-motion animations like "Paranorman" and "Kubo and the Two Strings," and the action-packed "Bumblebee," Knight has woven a vibrant sci-fi fantasy spectacle. A critical component of this success is the film's dynamic orchestral-rock score, masterfully crafted by composer Daniel Pemberton, known for his work on "Spider-Verse" and "Bad Guys," with a significant contribution from an unexpected rock icon.
The film's director, Travis Knight, sought to infuse "Masters of the Universe" with a distinctive musical essence, drawing inspiration from the classic sci-fi fantasy epic, "Flash Gordon." Knight shared that Queen's legendary soundtrack for "Flash Gordon" deeply resonated with him as a child, admiring its blend of theatricality, joy, and profound sincerity. This iconic score became the primary musical influence for the new film, setting a high bar for the kind of impactful, larger-than-life sound he wished to achieve. The collaboration with Brian May, Queen's lead guitarist, was seen as essential in realizing this ambitious musical vision.
The decision to mirror "Flash Gordon"'s musical approach in "Masters of the Universe" carries a fascinating historical echo. George Lucas's initial desire to create a "Flash Gordon" movie, which ultimately led to the creation of "Star Wars" when rights proved unattainable, set off a chain reaction in pop culture. Mattel then launched the "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" franchise to compete with the burgeoning "Star Wars" toy market. Brian May's involvement in scoring the new "Masters of the Universe" film effectively completes a full circle, intertwining these narratives through a shared musical legacy.
Working with such a distinguished music legend was, by Knight's own admission, a remarkable occurrence. He vividly recounted a surreal moment in Brian May's home studio, witnessing the guitarist perform on his iconic Red Special guitar using a sixpence as a pick. What began as an expectation for a brief consultation evolved into an intensive, all-day session. May's dedication, spending over ten hours meticulously crafting the film's score, underscores his deep commitment to the project and his passion for the source material.
At the culmination of the recording session, Brian May unveiled a heartwarming detail that explained his extraordinary commitment. He retrieved two large boxes of He-Man toys from his attic, revealing them to Knight. May, recognizing each character, shared his personal connection to the franchise through his son, Jimmy. This moment underscored the profound nostalgia and genuine enthusiasm that fueled May's involvement, transforming a professional collaboration into a deeply personal one, driven by a shared love for the universe of He-Man and Skeletor.
The musical foundation laid by this partnership ensures that the "Masters of the Universe" soundtrack not only complements the film's narrative but also stands as a powerful entity on its own. This unique blend of classic rock influence and modern orchestral composition enriches the film's fantastical elements, elevating it to a truly memorable cinematic experience. The collaborative synergy between Knight, Pemberton, and May has created a score that is both nostalgic and refreshingly innovative, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
