Travis Knight confirms where Flash Gordon inspired Masters of the Universe. And once fans notice it, they won’t ever stop seeing the influence.
Speaking to CBR‘s Grae Drake, the Masters of the Universe director explained where and why the production wanted to pay tribute to its roots as an ’80s franchise. “When this whole world, this universe, was born, it started in 1982, and it came to the height of its powers in the mid to late ’80s. It was important for me that we acknowledge that in some way — with certain tonal aspects, with certain musical things, and with the score, specifically,” Knight stated.
1980’s Flash Gordon and Its Influence on Masters of the Universe Explained
Those even familiar with the concept of Flash Gordon can see the undeniable influence that was left on Masters of the Universe. Knight explained just how and where Flash Gordon played a role in the movie’s ultimate being.
“One of my big touchstones for the musical story of the movie was the 1980s Flash Gordon movie, which I adore… Part of that was the iconic score by Queen, which was really weird back in the day. And it was also super awesome!”
Knight continued to emphasize the energy he wanted to capture through the most musical sense. “My challenge to Daniel was, ‘Can we come up with something that cool?’ Daniel Pemberton, my composer for our movie. I think we succeeded. It also helped because we actually had Brian May playing on our score,” Knight added.
Directed by Mike Hodges from a screenplay by Lorenzo Semple Jr., 1980’s Flash Gordon was the then-latest in a long line of adaptations of the classic pulp series. The film starred Sam J. Jones in the titular role alongside the likes of Melody Anderson and Max von Sydow. Although Flash Gordon was a relative box office bomb upon its release, it continues to hold a special place in the wider realm of pop culture, partially due to its iconic soundtrack performed by Queen.
Where the Masters of the Universe Are Heading Next According to Director Travis Knight
Where Flash Gordon faltered, Masters of the Universe has had no problem rocking the box office nearly five decades later. Directed by Knight from a screenplay by Chris Butler, Aaron and Adam Nee, and David Callaham, Masters of the Universe sees Nicholas Galitzine step into the role of Adam Glenn, aka He-Man, for an interstellar adventure as he and his fantastical allies take on the dark forces led by Jared Leto’s Skeletor.
Masters of the Universe has proven to be a resounding success since making its way into theaters on June 2, with the film garnering largely rave reviews from critics and audiences. The film is also on track to gross somewhere in the range of $35 million throughout its opening weekend, which would be a momentous occasion considering the current box office competition that Masters of the Universe is facing in films such as Backrooms and Obsession.
Regarding what the future might look like, Knight confirmed that Masters of the Universe was crafted without a sequel or follow-up in mind, though he wouldn’t be opposed to producing one if asked. “I have never made a sequel, I try to tell these movies as if we’re only getting one shot of telling these characters’ story and that it is a self-contained thing,” Knight explained. “I think we’ve done that for this movie.”
Knight continued, “I have so much affection for these characters and this world, and it’s so much bigger than the scope of this film… If we are to be so lucky to tell more stories set in this world, I know exactly where it’s gonna go, and I know exactly who I would put in those roles.”
Masters of the Universe is in theaters now.
- Release Date
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June 5, 2026
- Director
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Travis Knight
- Writers
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Chris Butler
- Producers
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Jason Blumenthal, Robbie Brenner, Steve Tisch, Todd Black
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Nicholas Galitzine
Adam / He-Man
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