With Amazon MGM betting big on both Voltron and Masters of the Universe, the success of these long-dormant franchises could open the door for even more beloved properties from the 1980s and beyond to make the jump back to live action.
If audiences embrace Henry Cavill’s Voltron and Nicholas Galitzine’s turn as He-Man, Hollywood may finally have proof that there is still demand for large-scale adaptations of classic animated franchises.
Here are three projects that could benefit the most.
ThunderCats
Of all the dormant franchises waiting in the wings, ThunderCats may be the closest to becoming a reality.
Director Adam Wingard, known for Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, remains attached to the project and has repeatedly reassured fans that development is still ongoing. Wingard previously revealed that he and collaborator Simon Barrett were actively working on the screenplay, stating:
“Simon and I are still actively working on the script.”
Wingard has also made it clear that he wants to stay true to the iconic designs fans remember from the original animated series. In an earlier interview, he explained:
“I don’t want to reinvent the way they look.”
With its rich mythology, fantasy setting, and memorable characters like Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, and Panthro, ThunderCatsfeels like a natural next step if audiences prove they are hungry for large-scale fantasy adventures again.
ThunderCats
Akira
Few projects have spent more time in development hell than a live-action adaptation of Akira.
The legendary cyberpunk manga and anime has been the subject of Hollywood interest for more than two decades. Most recently, Taika Waititi was attached to direct a live-action version, but the project never moved forward. In 2025, Warner Bros. allowed the rights to lapse, returning them to publisher Kodansha and effectively resetting the project.
The good news for fans is that the story may finally have a new path forward. Reports indicate that multiple producers and studios have expressed interest in acquiring the rights and developing a fresh adaptation.
Set in the futuristic city of Neo-Tokyo, Akira follows biker gang leader Kaneda and his friend Tetsuo after a mysterious government experiment unlocks devastating psychic abilities. The original film remains one of the most influential science fiction stories ever created and could become a major event film if the right creative team finally cracks the code.
Akira
She-Ra
While He-Man is preparing for his big-screen return, his twin sister may not be far behind.
Amazon MGM is actively developing a live-action She-Ra series and recently brought acclaimed writer Heidi Schreckaboard to write the project.
Interest in the character has only grown following the success of Netflix’s animated She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, and the timing could be perfect if Masters of the Universe connects with audiences.
In fact, Masters of the Universe director Travis Knight recently hinted that She-Ra could become a major part of the franchise’s future, saying she would play:
“a huge part” in potential sequels.
For those unfamiliar with the mythology, She-Ra, also known as Princess Adora, is the long-lost twin sister of Prince Adam. Her adventures on the world of Etheria have often been just as beloved as He-Man’s battles on Eternia.
She-Ra
The Bottom Line
Hollywood has spent years trying to revive classic animated franchises, but many projects have struggled to get beyond the development stage. If Voltron and Masters of the Universe prove successful, that could finally change.
Whether it’s Adam Wingard’s long-awaited ThunderCats, a fresh take on Akira, or Amazon’s developing She-Ra series, the next wave of nostalgic franchise adaptations may already be waiting in the shadows.
