Masters of the Universe references the greatest He-Man meme of all-time, its director says and the song that plays over it is 'actually used' in the new sci-fi fantasy movie

Date:
Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Description:
The filmmaker behind He-Man's latest film has confirmed it includes a nod to
a very popular Masters of the Universe meme.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Masters of the Universe references the best He-Man meme of all-time The sci-fi fantasy film even includes the song that's used in the viral video Its director wanted its inclusion to "make sense" within the story Masters of the Universe includes a reference to a hugely popular He-Man meme, its director has confirmed. Speaking exclusively to TechRadar ahead of its release, Travis Knight
revealed that the viral video famously known as "HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA" is referred in the movie. Furthermore, the music track that plays over the
parody video 4 Non Blondes' 'What's Up?' is even used at one point in the sci-fi fantasy film.

For those unaware of the meme: in 2005, an animation company called SLACKCiRCUS created a spoof music video titled 'Fabulous Secret Powers'. Set to a campy, techno-house version of 'What's Up?', the video comprises footage from '80s cartoon He-Man and the Masters of the Universe that's been edited
in a way that's bemusing, surreal, and humorous in equal measure. However, it wasn't until 2010 that it became a viral hit and part of the internet zeitgeist. Indeed, after YouTube user ProtoOfSnagem uploaded a cut-down version of SLACKCiRCUS' original work under the title 'HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA' FYI, that's the video you can watch above it wasn't long until the fan-made video went viral. Latest Videos From You may like Project Hail Mary directors discuss their 4 favorite sci-fi films and one is a huge surprise Invincible season 4 episode 6 trolls fans with clever fake-out end-credits scene You, Me & Tuscany's unhinged Bridgerton reference was planned says director

As of today (June 1), 'HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA' has been viewed 229 million
times on ProtoOfSnagem's channel alone. For many viewers who weren't born
when He-Man and the Masters of the Universe originally came out, 'HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA' is their first and/or only exposure to the animated show, live-action film adaptation, and wider brand.

So, when Knight, a self-confessed He-Man fan, was hired to direct the Amazon movie reboot, he knew he had to include a reference to one of the most recognizable memes of the early 2010s in the final product. Little did Knight expect, though, that Amazon would also manage to snag a licensing deal that would allow him to use 'What's Up?' in one of this year's most anticipated
new movies , too. "We definitely reference the 4 Non Blondes thing and, we actually used the song in the movie," Knight told me. "We wanted to use it in a way that made sense, too, so it didn't seem like we were slathering it on top without any thought to how it actually felt within the fabric of the movie, and I'm delighted with the way it came together."

As for other classic references from the He-Man cartoon, Knight also
confirmed that it acknowledges moments in the show "where they put their
hands on their hips, and throw their heads back and laugh". However, Knight was conscious of not overloading his latest feature with Easter eggs from the animated series because he had to make a film that everyone his fellow
He-Man fans and general audiences alike could enjoy. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Long-time fans will see their version of Masters reflected back at them in small or large ways Travis Knight, Masters of the Universe director "People have had different ways into this world, these characters, and the He-Man story," he said. "Part of the trick was acknowledging those different iterations that people love the animated show live-action film, and internet video while still telling a story that's coherent for people who don't know that stuff.

"So, I think we've found a really good balance," Knight added. "Long-time
fans will see their version of Masters reflected back at them in small or large ways. And, for those who don't know anything about Masters, it's an accessible, entertaining, and emotional ride."

Masters of the Universe lands in UK theaters on June 3, and June 5
everywhere else. Keep your eyes trained on TechRadar later this week for my review, too. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/streaming/entertainment/masters-of-the-universe-refe rences-the-greatest-he-man-meme-of-all-time-its-director-says-and-the-song-tha t-plays-over-it-is-actually-used-in-the-new-sci-fi-fantasy-movie


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