In another director appointment, Reuters has confirmed that John Stevenson (Kung-Fu Panda) has signed on to direct a live-action version of Masters of the Universe for Warner Bros. and Silver Pictures.

A resurrection of the classic ‘80s He-Man cartoon and toy line, Mattel will co-produce the film that reimagines the story with a more gritty fantasy bent.

Penned by Justin Marks, the upcoming film will see Adam as a soldier who sets off to find his destiny, happening upon the magical world called Eternia. Skeleton, the series villain, has raised a technological army there and is bent on eradicating all traces of magic.

Production will begin later this year, or early 2010 at the very latest.