Newly released blockbuster Masters of the Universe suffered a double blow in recent days, with the film not only tanking spectacularly in its opening weekend, but an actress set to star in its sequel posting a major spoiler online.
Masters of the Universe, based on Mattel’s He-Man media franchse, reportedly cost up to $US200 million ($284 million) to make, but only raked in $US54.3 million ($76 million) worldwide over the weekend – earning back just one quarter of its whopping production budget.
The film follows Prince Adam (played by Nicholas Galitzine) as he returns to his home planet, Eternia, to take his destiny as the muscle-bound superhero He-Man, and save his home from the villainous Skeletor (Jared Leto). The action sci-fi also stars Camila Mendes, Alison Brie and Kristen Wiig.
Despite the film unexpectedly flopping in cinemas, apparently there is already a sequel in the works, with the closing credits teasing that an iconic character would make their debut in the second instalment.
Director Travis Knight revealed in the film’s closing scenes that Princess Adora, the long-lost twin sister of He-Man widely known as She-Ra, will feature in the potential second film.
She-Ra appears at the end of Masters of the Universe ever so briefly. The footage only shows the female superhero from behind, decked out in the famous costume synonymous to the character created by Mattel in the early 80s, leaving many wondering who the face is behind the iconic character and costume.
Australian actress Lauren Saliu put fans out of their misery when she seemingly outed herself as the actress set to play the trailblazing role.
“Secret is out,” the London-based star wrote on Instagram alongside a gallery of photos from what looked to be her time on the set of the sequel.
“I’m excited to finally share that I appear as She-Ra in the post-credit scene in [Masters of the Universe]. So grateful and had so much fun embodying She-Ra the Princess of Power.”
“It was back and forth fittings and 3D scans getting the outfit made to my exact measurements. The craftsmanship and detail is incredible.”
The post has since been deleted.