Kevin Smith Responds To Fan Backlash Over Masters Of The Universe: Revelation

Netflix recently released "Masters of the Universe: Revelation," the animated follow-up to 1983's "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" from director Kevin Smith and a talented team of writers. It sees the Guardians of Castle Grayskull embark on a new quest across Eternia to reassemble the Sword of Power after Skeletor (Mark Hamill) viciously attacks the legendary fortress. It's a worthy sequel to the original series as it fleshes out all of the various heroes and villains in ways the 1983 show didn't have the chance to. However, a vocal minority of fans are complaining online about the focus given to Teela (Sarah Michelle Gellar) instead of He-Man (Chris Wood).

It seems strange that a "Masters of the Universe" show has caused such controversy, but it's also hardly surprising. Just look at how some audiences reacted to the 2016 "Ghostbusters" reboot or Rian Johnson's "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," for instance. It's worth remembering that the 5 episodes of "Revelation" only make up "Part 1" of the story, there's still "Part 2" to come (hopefully) later this year, though currently there isn't a confirmed release date for the next batch of episodes.

Director and executive producer Kevin Smith recently responded to the fan backlash over the series, suggesting that some fans should re-examine what the original show looked like.

Kevin Smith opened up to Variety about his frustration at the backlash, explaining how the show itself picks up plot strands and concepts that were introduced in the classic show of the 1980s. "I know there's some people that are like, 'Hey, man, this show's woke,'" he said. "I'm like, all right, great, then so was the original cartoon we're f—ing sequel-izing." Also adding, "Go watch it again. There are girls in every episode. Deal with it." 

Clearly, the "Clerks," "Mallrats," and "Tusk," director isn't afraid to voice his own opinions — which is quite refreshing to see.

He went on to suggest that the main complaint about He-Man's absence is actually quite hypocritical from certain fans, and suggested that these viewers had totally missed the whole point of the series they claimed to love. "It's been interesting, seeing who truly is a hardcore fan. Because anybody that's like, 'Oh, man, there's not enough He-Man' or something like that, doesn't understand the show that we based it on." He went on to point out that this isn't the first time the hero has been stripped of his powers, referring to Season 1, Episode 12 "Disappearing Act" where He-Man actually lost his iconic weapon. "There were episodes where he lost the sword and he never became He-Man. It wasn't like He-Man always saved the day." 

Smith also added "His friends helped him. That was the f—ing point of the show."

Smith — with his trademark profanity — also pointed out to fans concerned about He-Man's "death" that the show would've never been made without the iconic hero, saying "you really f—ing think Mattel Television, who hired me and paid me money, wants to do a f—ing 'Masters of the Universe' show without He-Man?" It's a valid point. Hopefully the backlash draws more eyes to "Revelation," since it's an interesting new take on "Masters of the Universe" with a truly great cast.