'Kick-Ass 2' director Jeff Wadlow will write 'Masters of the Universe' script

LOS ANGELES, April 10 (UPI) -- Kick-Ass 2 director Jeff Wadlow has signed on to write the script for the upcoming Masters of the Universe film.

The Columbia Pictures adaptation of the 1980s Mattel franchise has floundered in development for years. Work on the movie began in 2009, but production has suffered a series of setbacks since. Jon M. Chu (G.I. Joe Retaliation) was previously attached to direct but he left the project in 2013.

Masters of the Universe features a vast number of characters, including the hero He-Man and his nemesis, Skeletor. The characters inhabit the planet Eternia, and He-Man and Skeletor vie against each another for control of the mysterious and powerful fortress Castle Grayskull.

Sources say that Wadlow may possibly also direct the film, but no decision has been made. Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch will produce the new movie.

[The Hollywood Reporter]