The summer’s best sci-fi movie owes a massive debt to Queen’s legendary guitarist

Image: Amazon MGM Studios

Against the odds, Masters of the Universe has emerged as a genuine triumph. Much of this success belongs to director Travis Knight. By blending the meticulous visual artistry of stop-motion gems like Paranorman and Kubo and the Two Strings with the grand, explosive scale he honed on his critically acclaimed Transformers entry, Knight has delivered a vibrant, high-octane sci-fi fantasy. However, the film’s kinetic energy is anchored by a thunderous orchestral-rock score, composed by Daniel Pemberton—famed for his work on the Spider-Verse series—with an unexpected assist from rock royalty.

Eagle-eyed viewers watching the Masters of the Universe credits will spot a legendary name: Brian May. The Queen guitarist’s involvement provides that unmistakable sonic edge that gives the film its larger-than-life character.

For Knight, collaborating with May was essential to nailing the tone, which drew heavy inspiration from the cult classic Flash Gordon.

“Our primary musical lodestar was definitely Flash Gordon,” Knight tells Polygon. “I grew up obsessed with it, largely due to that iconic, operatic Queen score. It possessed such incredible spirit, theatricality, and heart—it was truly larger than life. That sincerity is the hallmark of those incredible musicians. Consequently, Queen became a vital touchstone for both Daniel and me.”

Image: Ida Mae Astute/ABC/Everett Collection

There is a poetic irony in channeling Flash Gordon for this project. Decades ago, George Lucas famously pivoted to Star Wars after failing to secure the rights to Flash Gordon, which in turn spurred Mattel to develop the He-Man franchise to compete. Enlisting Brian May to score this film effectively brings that pop-culture legacy full circle.

Securing such a music legend was a monumental feat, and the experience left a lasting impression on the director.

“A year later, there I was in Brian May’s private studio, watching him play his legendary ‘Red Special’ guitar using nothing but a sixpence coin instead of a traditional pick,” Knight recalls. “It was an utterly surreal, unforgettable moment.”

Beyond his musical contribution, May’s genuine enthusiasm for the source material was the true highlight for the director.

“At the end of the session, he just vanished,” Knight says. “I assumed he was finished for the night, but he returned minutes later carrying two vintage boxes of He-Man figures he’d kept from his son Jimmy’s collection. He started pulling out the characters, reciting their names—it was a bizarre, brilliant encounter. Sitting there with Brian May, geeking out over Skeletor and Man-E-Faces, was just the coolest thing imaginable.”

Masters of the Universe is currently playing in theaters.

Source: Polygon