Written by Rob Leifeld is a comic book creator, a U.S. based writer and artist best known for co-creating the characters Cable and Deadpool in the Marvel Universe.
Considered by some a lightning rod in pop culture, the 57 year old creator has not been afraid to share his opinions throughout the years, often critical opinions that rightly or wrongly have labeled Rob (by some) as a “professional hater“.
Fair criticism or not, a few days ago Rob Leifeld spoke out again, this time in reference to what some believe is the new “Masters of the Universe” Movie staring Nicholas Galitzine and directed by Travis Knight.
First alerted to us by awesome community member David Simpson, this is what Rob Leifeld had to say on X:
While Rob Leifeld didn’t specifically call out any movie directly, many have made the assumption that “Masters of the Universe” was the film Rob was referring to based on process of elimination: “NON Marvel/DC. NON Sequel IP Movie. Releasing next year.”
Rob even added to his list of qualifiers that this movie he was talking about had finished filming, i.e. was “in the can“:
While Rob Leifeld could easily be referring to “Voltron” starring Henry Cavill (which also finished principal photography) perhaps some are certain it is “Masters of the Universe” because Rob refers to the world of Eternia ever so often on social media (even comparing his own son to Prince Adam🙂
If Rob Leifeld is indeed referring to the “Masters of the Universe” script where he believes fans want “a straight forward version but they are getting a good comedy“… we suspect this will really depend on the fan.
We have heard from sources that the tone of the new He-Man film will be more in line with the popular “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Thor Ragnorok” movies which is a great tone to some, not so great tone to others (but a successful formula to the masses nevertheless.)
Regardless, while a lighter tone for the new “Masters of the Universe” Movie was recently hinted / seemingly confirmed by Evil-Lyn actress Alison Brie, we doubt the new He-Man film will be referred to as a comedy either (considering this sword training we watched He-Man actor Nicholas Galitzine undergo.)
So will the new movie be at “direct odds with its fanbase” as Rob Leifeld suggests (if “Masters of the Universe” is indeed the script Rob is talking about?) Only time will tell.
The new “Masters of the Universe” Movie is currently in Post-Production with the film scheduled to be released in cinemas worldwide on June 5th, 2026.
We’ll see you next time.
Thor Ragnarok and Guardians of the Galaxy were really good movies that mixed the serious tones of the stories with light-hearted comedy. So i’m really not worried about this movie.
I wish folks would just quit beating around the bush and say what it was they were talking about. 😆
There are so many different interpretations of MOTU over the last 40 years I wouldn’t even know what a straight forward adaptation would be. I know Daniel Richtman AKA insider DanielRPK heard MOTU’s script was excellent and was super excited for the film.
I guess the only fact we know is that Amazon MGM and Mattel describe the film as an Action Fantasy, doesn’t rule out comedic moments but ruling the script as “good comedy" was…weird. lol
With how badly the humour landed in Knight’s Bumblebee (I think John Cena got the only good line!) and the tolerance for the ‘OMG! You’re all crazy!’ Marvel humour being super low right now, I really don’t need it in a He-Man movie. Like you can put witty lines in an action movie, the 1980s certainly proved that lol. But making it a large part of the focus for MOTU will just feel like they aren’t respecting the source material before Filmation. And that’s the foundation of everything that followed. Adults are the final arbiters for cinema attendance because it’s so expensive now.
I understand they want a wide audience but that simply isn’t going to happen if the old fanbase isn’t there for the first weekend. Again, they’re the ones buying the tickets. The last thing we need is a Transformers: One promotional scenario where the original fanbase thinks it isn’t meant for them because it looks goofy. They’re the people taking their families, focus on them and give them something dedicated to tell their friends about and spread word of mouth. Not jack of all trades, Master of None.
@sketchyskeletor
Even though my favorite is the early and later Alcala period of Masters, I can 100% appreciate this and think this Skeletor is amazing, too😆
This guy again. He always needs to be knocking something.
Well if it’s Rob Liefield we’re talking about, he complains about everything. Don’t take it to heart. He thinks he knows everything 🤣
There are those who don’t think his drawings or output are all that … good…(Even tho I can respect him). And he is definitely not a movie professional, so… 🤷
I’m not sure what you’re talking about maybe you can do the foot work and put it in a pouch or twenty?
That’s his son? He could play He-Man!
It’s kinda funny that across social media and forums you’ve got people turning on Liefeld for the mere perception that he’s talking about the MOTU movie, and criticising him and his work instead of actually reacting to what he’s saying. I mean he’s an opinionated geek like the rest of us, I don’t know why anybody is surprised that a guy of his age and experience* says what he thinks about geek culture.
* The dude gets paid up and down and has TV and movie projects in the works based on his characters.
@sketchyskeletor If his opinion is being treated as newsworthy and special, it’s fair game if others are putting that special-ness or expertise into context or question it.
Unlike you and me, he’s certainly using these “controversial” posts to boost his relevance and for financial gain.
And he’s tapping into the rage-circles of the internet. Is this the “real” fan base or the loudest?
But how can we actually discuss if we don’t know the film? Audiences loved Guardians etc
*Not aware of any tv-shows being made “based” on his characters. Deadpool is his co-creation ofc.
But that’s just it, what I’m actually saying is the guy has the geek credentials to have his own opinions and share them. And why wouldn’t he? The dude’s relevant whether anybody likes it or not, he’s a successful businessman in the geek sphere. The fact that he can draw such ire without really trying means he’ll grab headlines whatever. I’m not bothered by Liefeld either way, but it’s nonsense to just dismiss him because reasons. And again, we don’t even know if he’s talking about MOTU!
What he’s saying though can be discussed in terms of ‘Should MOTU be a comedy? And to what level? Is this what they’d consider the Filmation approach?’ And so on. Look at people debating what a true fan is in this context. It’s like welcome to the Geekdome.
He has stuff he’s mentioned as being in talks but there’s also Avengelyne with Margot Robbie and upcoming books. Wasn’t he doing action figures too? So yeah, just dismissing him as a crank is nonsense. That’s the exact same mistake people have made with the Youtubers and they’re the kingmakers now making their own movies and comics alongside. You might not like what somebody is saying but sometimes that’s more reason to listen.
I’m sensing you’re standing up for some folks here because you share some of their opinion, one of them a star from yesterday who is fighting for relevance and others who are terrible, terrible people… I can’t really get behind the latter. Kingmakers? Their own movies? Where? These guys are trash.
Liefeld does live off his accomplishments from 30 years ago, that is smart, and well, Axl Rose is also still relevant today, right 😏
I’m not dismissing it I’m just saying take it with a grain of salt if people post things just to get attention. Or partially.
Just because people have some power doesn’t mean we have to listen to them. Everyone has an opinion. See how some people dismiss political opinions by hollywood stars.
We live in times when Hollywood is unsure and fans think they can do everything better. But straight up fantasy or sci fy have also failed, be it The Rock’s Hercules or Momoa’s Conan,… Jupiter Ascending, The Creator,… and Star Wars movies series play it straight and are still very divisive.
Minecraft was a huge success… who knows. But we have not seen the movie, we do not know the exact vibe,… I suspect it will have multiple aspects but a lot of Charme, judging from Travis Knight’s bumblebee. But all of it is assumption and hypothetical, so 🤷
I even said I’m not bothered by Liefeld either way. Hell I’ve never really liked Deadpool or even X Force in the comics. Look, just forget I said anything lol.
I discovered this highly disturbing article detailing how Rob Leifeld has not delivered on a Kickstarter campaign since 2013. It must be maddening for these backers considering his status in life.
https://bleedingfool.com/news/drawing-criticism-rob-liefelds-poor-opinions-of-marvel-ignore-his-own-failures/
@elder Yikes. I mean I don’t think that site is the most reputable either, but those allegations seem well rounded and justified… it is a lot of work to do big Kickstarter productions, and looks like he (and a few others) underestimated how much work it is (besides making those actual comics).
I have lots of respect for those folks who are doing these, though it seems the more often you to, it gets more professional and easier. It’s its own business.
That said, it’s not cool to let supporters hanging, whoever you are. Relevant or not lol
The feud Leifeld has with Kevin Feige has just settled down and here we go again. lol
I don’t hold much credence in his opinion. Once he calls it a comedy I know he’s exaggerating.
I don’t listen to negative naysayers. I just follow my own judgment.
How does he know what the fans want? I like to laugh in my action movies. I can’t wait!
Ugh. All he does is whinge about everything. Who’s been teaching him how to internet? They owe the world a massive apology
The cartoon from the 1980s was always silly so if the movie is silly too I won’t be upset.
I am too old to care what he thinks. God willing I’ll make up my own mind in good time.
I can’t wait for the movie to be released & suck donkey balls and then all you defenders will have to eat crow. We already know it’s gonna suck because Adam is going to be on Earth, Teela is Hispanic & Man-At-Arms is black. There is no way in hell it can be good now. They already destroyed the movie with horrible casting. But still, most of you insist on clinging to that fake, phony positivity.
You DO NOT change the race or gender of characters that have already been well established for 4 freakin decades. You just don’t do it. You don’t force feed us that stupid and pointless “diversity" nonsense. If you want diversity you create new diverse characters like Marvel did with Miles Morales. Miles Morales is the correct way to do “diversity". You don’t F with already beloved characters.
You know I’m right on this one so don’t even think about calling me a racist or a naysayer or a hater. Race & gender swapping is just flat out stupid & pointless. Whats the damn point? And if this movie happens to be a super, massive blockbuster hit, what does that mean? Man-At-Arms will forever be a black character from now on? Every Man-At-Arms figure will be a black guy going forward? It just doesn’t make any sense. Why even bother causing confusion like that?
And how many new fans is this really going to pull in? The old original fans never got a real MOTU movie yet & now there’s supposed to be a new generation that will fall in love with all these race swapped characters? And then we’ll end up with a war like in the Transformers fandom between G1 & Bayverse?
Pfft…..whatever! Defend it all you want but don’t start pissin & moanin when it sucks. Edris Elba is awesome! One of my favorites ever since Pacific Rim. I love the guy! But he is CLAMP CHAMP not Man-At-Arms. Stupid casting!
Why are you even a member of this forum if your posts are just going to be condescending and negative? I doubt ANYONE who has ever seen a movie or TV show with blind racial casting was confused as to who the characters were.
Please keep your obviously prejudice opinions to yourself- you even acknowledge what you’re posting is going to be perceived as racist and biased- go back to your parents’ basement and keep eating those Cheetos.
This post is about Rob Liefield- someone who was lucky enough to ride a wave of popularity and now somehow thinks he’s a voice of authority. Please keep to the topic and keep your racist comments to yourself.
Edris Elba is one of your favorites? You can’t even spell his name. It’s Idris.
Now to your ignorant commentary. If you had any common sense you would worry about Jared Leto playing Skeletor. Idris Elba will no doubt be an amazing Man-At-Arms but Leto is the weak link. Look at the talent not at the skin color.
@northerner when I heard Idris was announced I was very excited. I love him in Pacific Rim, Sonic movies, Thor movies and The Suicide Squad. He would be a bad casting for Clamp Champ. Michael B. Jordan would be good maybe.
You nailed it. Even Clownfish likes the Idris Elba casting. Leto is the one we should be worried about.
@sci-fitsunami You’re flying off the handle. Chill out my guy.