McG is "laser-focused" on making ‘Masters of the Universe’.
The 48-year-old filmmaker – whose real name is Joseph McGinty Nichol – insists the upcoming He-Man reboot is his "absolute passion" and he has high hopes it will be his next project.
He said: "It’s a very exciting moment for Masters of the Universe. We have a big meeting with Sony regarding prep of the movie on Wednesday. And we’re in the middle of a bit of a script polish, and it’s my absolute passion. I’m laser-focused on that being my next film.
"But I mean, you know how it works in contemporary filmmaking. You really, really have to earn the goodwill of the parent studio, and Tom Rothman runs a tight ship at Sony, and we’re going to get there. I’m so happy to report that to the fans."
And the ‘Terminator Salvation’ filmmaker admitted ‘Twilight Saga’ star Kellan Lutz – who recently hinted he was up for a role in the film – is being "considered very, very closely" to play Prince Adam and his alter ego He-Man, but insisted the movie isn’t yet at the casting stage.
He told IGN: "We haven’t cast the role yet, but I like Kellan very much. Obviously, we need a talented entertainer, but we also need a certain physicality, which he embodies. He’ll be considered very, very closely.
"We haven’t gotten to the casting process yet. Kellan’s a good guy, and we had a great meeting, and he’s passionate about He-Man, he’s passionate about the Adam story. He really knows a lot about it. I was charmed by his focus and intensity.
"He’ll be considered very, very carefully. We’re just not there yet. We’ve got to get the movie on its feet, then we’ll cast the movie."
Asked about the tone of the film in comparison to the 1987 original movie, which was based on a toyline by Mattel, McG wants to "respect" the fan base and is looking to Marvel Studios and their extensive movie adaptations for inspiration.
He said: "I think we want to honour the fan base, first and foremost. We also need to be cognisant 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 want it to be clicking on all cylinders in that regard. We’re not going to stop until we get it right.
"Listen, I love that movie with Frank [Langella] and Dolph [Lundgren]. I watch it, and it’s a tremendous pleasure for me to watch. I’m raised on the toys, and I’m down at Mattel all the time.
"We’re just really focused on getting it right. I want it to be full-bodied entertainment that respects the fan base, and is more emotional than you might imagine, inventive and original."
‘Masters of the Universe’ centres around Prince Adam, who can transform into the warrior He-Man.
As He-Man, he is the last hope for a magical land called Eternia, which has been ravaged by technology and the villainous Skeletor.
McG putting Masters of the Universe first
