Composer Daniel Pemberton is redefining the sound of modern blockbusters by rejecting the trend of overly serious superhero scores in favor of a “maximalist” approach. For the new Masters of the Universe film, Pemberton collaborated with Queen guitarist Brian May to create a high-energy, Queen and ABBA-inspired soundscape that embraces the inherent, campy fun of the 1982 toyline-based world, rather than shying away from it.
Why Is Modern Blockbuster Music Moving Away from Emotion?
Pemberton argues that recent franchise films have become increasingly guarded, often fearing that overtly powerful or emotional music will feel “ridiculous” in a modern context. According to the composer, the success of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight unintentionally pushed the industry toward a standard where all superhero movies must be incredibly serious. Pemberton believes this is a mistake, noting that characters like He-Man, Fisto, and Ram Man are fundamentally fun and “somewhat ridiculous” at their core.
How Did the Collaboration with Brian May Happen?
The partnership between Pemberton and Brian May began by chance at Abbey Road Studios in London. While Pemberton was recording early tracks for Masters of the Universe, he ran into May, who was working on a newly mastered version of Queen II. After Pemberton shared his vision for the film, May proved enthusiastic about the collaboration.
The duo’s synergy peaked when May used his legendary “Red Special” guitar. Pemberton described the instrument, which May built from household materials as a teenager, as the musical equivalent of the Sword of Power. “He’s the only person who can play it and has the power to play it,” Pemberton told Variety. The guitar features prominently in the film’s theme song, “Electrica,” which utilizes a 100-piece choir, an 80-piece orchestra, and a rock band.
What Are the Challenges of Scoring Iconic Franchises?
Incorporating legacy music into new films is rarely straightforward. While fans often expect to hear classic themes, Pemberton found that the original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon theme—composed by Shuki Levy, Haim Saban, and Lou Scheimer—did not translate well to the film’s pacing. “It doesn’t sustain in the same way for longer,” Pemberton explained, noting that the iconic 10-second cartoon intro was difficult to integrate into the movie’s action beats.
Instead, Pemberton focused on a “maximalist” score for the 140-minute film. The final product includes 35 tracks that lean into rock and pop sensibilities. By prioritizing a flamboyant and theatrical tone, Pemberton and director Travis Knight aimed to ensure that audiences feel the “color, campiness and slight cheese” of the original 1980s aesthetic.
When scoring a franchise, prioritize the director’s vision. Pemberton credits Travis Knight’s “very clear vision” and willingness to let the composer “go crazy” as the foundation for the film’s unique sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who directed the new Masters of the Universe?
The film is directed by Travis Knight, who encouraged a flamboyant, theatrical approach to the score. - Who plays He-Man in the new film?
Nicholas Galitzine stars as He-Man, portraying the character as he transitions from a young boy named Adam back to his true identity to save the planet Eternia. - Who is the villain in the film?
Jared Leto plays the role of the evil Skeletor, who kidnaps Adam’s parents to kick off the film’s conflict. - What is the theme song of the new film?
The theme song is titled “Electrica,” a three-minute ballad featuring Brian May on guitar.
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