Even the most dedicated fan of Masters of the Universe knows that the franchise began as a toy line, and that the initial cartoon existed to entice kids to buy those toys. Yes, Masters of the Universe has expanded into multiple cartoon series, comic book runs, video games, and now a second (and hopefully more successful) feature film. Today, most fans would say that the toy connection remains a primary appeal of Masters of the Universe. So it’s quite fitting that the first good look we’re getting at some of the major characters for the upcoming Masters of the Universe film comes from toy promotions. The 1987 Cannon movie starring Dolph Lundgren and Frank Langella certainly has its supporters, but the movie deviated from the lore established in the cartoon and toys.