Masters of the Universe references the greatest He-Man meme of all-time, its director says — and the song that plays over it is 'actually used' in the new sci-fi fantasy movie | Tech Radar
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Masters of the Universe references the greatest He-Man meme of all-time, its director says — and the song that plays over it is 'actually used' in the new sci-fi fantasy movie
Exclusive: 'We wanted to use it in a way that made sense'
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Yes, Amazon's Masters of the Universe film references the best He-Man meme of all-time (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)
Masters of the Universe references the best He-Man meme of all-time
The sci-fi fantasy film even includes the song that's used in the viral video
Its director wanted its inclusion to "make sense" within the story
Masters of the Universe includes a reference to a hugely popular He-Man meme, its director has confirmed. Speaking exclusively to Tech Radar ahead of its release, Travis Knight revealed that the viral video famously known as "HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA" is referred in the movie. Furthermore, the music track that plays over the parody video — 4 Non Blondes' 'What's Up?' — is even used at one point in the sci-fi fantasy film.
For those unaware of the meme: in 2005, an animation company called SLACKCi RCUS created a spoof music video titled 'Fabulous Secret Powers'. Set to a campy, techno-house version of 'What's Up?', the video comprises footage from '80s cartoon He-Man and the Masters of the Universe that's been edited in a way that's bemusing, surreal, and humorous in equal measure.
However, it wasn't until 2010 that it became a viral hit and part of the internet zeitgeist. Indeed, after You Tube user Proto Of Snagem uploaded a cut-down version of SLACKCi RCUS' original work under the title 'HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA' — FYI, that's the video you can watch above — it wasn't long until the fan-made video went viral.
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As of today (June 1), 'HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA' has been viewed 229 million times on Proto Of Snagem's channel alone. For many viewers who weren't born when He-Man and the Masters of the Universe originally came out, 'HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA' is their first and/or only exposure to the animated show, live-action film adaptation, and wider brand.
So, when Knight, a self-confessed He-Man fan, was hired to direct the Amazon movie reboot, he knew he had to include a reference to one of the most recognizable memes of the early 2010s in the final product. Little did Knight expect, though, that Amazon would also manage to snag a licensing deal that would allow him to use 'What's Up?' in one of this year's most anticipated new movies, too.
"We definitely reference the 4 Non Blondes thing — and, we actually used the song in the movie," Knight told me. "We wanted to use it in a way that made sense, too, so it didn't seem like we were slathering it on top without any thought to how it actually felt within the fabric of the movie, and I'm delighted with the way it came together."
As for other classic references from the He-Man cartoon, Knight also confirmed that it acknowledges moments in the show "where they put their hands on their hips, and throw their heads back and laugh". However, Knight was conscious of not overloading his latest feature with Easter eggs from the animated series because he had to make a film that everyone — his fellow He-Man fans and general audiences alike — could enjoy.
Long-time fans will see their version of Masters reflected back at them in small or large ways Travis Knight, Masters of the Universe director
Long-time fans will see their version of Masters reflected back at them in small or large ways
"People have had different ways into this world, these characters, and the He-Man story," he said. "Part of the trick was acknowledging those different iterations that people love — the animated show live-action film, and internet video — while still telling a story that's coherent for people who don't know that stuff.
"So, I think we've found a really good balance," Knight added. "Long-time fans will see their version of Masters reflected back at them in small or large ways. And, for those who don't know anything about Masters, it's an accessible, entertaining, and emotional ride."
Masters of the Universe lands in UK theaters on June 3, and June 5 everywhere else. Keep your eyes trained on Tech Radar later this week for my review, too.
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As Tech Radar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.
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