The Darkness Bring Glam-Rock Power to the New Masters of the Universe Film
The sounds of 1980s nostalgia and high-octane rock are colliding as British glam-rock veterans The Darkness have unveiled their official contribution to the soundtrack for the upcoming Masters of the Universe live-action film. The band has channeled their signature theatrical energy into a new theme song, delivering a track that feels tailor-made for the cinematic return of He-Man.
The film, which is slated for a theatrical release on June 5, features a star-studded cast, including Nicholas Galitzine as Adam/He-Man, Jared Leto as the iconic villain Skeletor, and Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms. With the film drawing heavily from the aesthetic and spirit of the original 1980s animated series, the inclusion of The Darkness—a band famously rooted in the excesses and stylistic flair of classic rock—serves as a perfect tonal match.
A Collaboration of Titans
The new theme song, titled “Eternia,” was written by band members Justin and Dan Hawkins, who also handled the production and mixing duties. The track features a notable guest appearance by legendary Queen guitarist Brian May, who contributes a guitar solo that adds a layer of rock royalty to the composition. The song was developed in collaboration with Daniel Pemberton, the acclaimed composer tasked with scoring the film’s overall musical landscape.
Regarding the creative process, the band leaned into the fun of the franchise. “When He-Man asked whether we could provide some music for his forthcoming biopic, we dusted off our trusty loincloths, assembled in the courtyard of Castle Darkness and bellowed in unison, ‘WE HAVE THE POWER’,” the band shared in a statement.
The Evolution of The Darkness
Beyond their cinematic contributions, The Darkness remains a formidable force in the live music scene. The band is currently preparing for a major UK arena tour following the release of their 2025 album, Dreams On Toast. These dates follow a high-profile summer schedule, including a performance at Iron Maiden’s Knebworth Park gig on July 11.
In recent interviews, Dan Hawkins has reflected on the band’s longevity and their ability to cultivate a dedicated, multi-generational fanbase. Since their 2011 reunion, the group has focused on moving beyond the “one-hit wonder” narrative that followed their early 2000s breakout, instead establishing themselves as a serious, evolving rock act.
“We’re a different beast now,” Dan Hawkins noted. “Our fans aren’t shouting for the hits—they want the album tracks. We’ve had to really develop a hardcore fanbase again by getting better and better as a rock band.”
Key Takeaways
- Soundtrack Contribution: The Darkness has released the theme song “Eternia” for the new Masters of the Universe film.
- Star Power: The track features a guest guitar solo from Queen’s Brian May.
- Film Details: Directed by the upcoming live-action adaptation, the film stars Nicholas Galitzine and Jared Leto, with a release date set for June 5.
- Touring Plans: The band is set for an extensive UK arena tour in support of their latest album, Dreams On Toast.
FAQ: The Darkness and Masters of the Universe
Who is on the soundtrack for the new Masters of the Universe movie?
The Darkness has provided a theme song titled “Eternia,” which features a guest solo from Brian May. The film’s score is composed by Daniel Pemberton.
When is the Masters of the Universe movie being released?
The film is scheduled to hit cinemas on June 5.
Where can I see The Darkness live in 2026?
The band is embarking on a major UK arena tour later this year and is also scheduled to perform at Iron Maiden’s Knebworth Park event on July 11.
As The Darkness continues to balance their status as cult rock heroes with high-profile commercial projects, their involvement in Masters of the Universe serves as a reminder of their enduring relevance in the modern music landscape. Whether they are commanding arena stages or crafting anthems for fantasy epics, the band shows no signs of slowing down.