Lifelong “Masters of the Universe” fascination leads to an unexpected dream job for C. Colt Crane.
By Dianna Troyer
To satisfy the curiosity of “Masters of the Universe” fans, local journalist C. Colt Crane conducts exclusive interviews for social media sites, revealing behind-the-scenes details about creating the long-awaited summer film.
“I’ve been a lifelong MOTU and He-Man fan, so it was thrilling to meet many of the actors and film executives at the world premiere of the movie in May at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood,” Colt says. “I’ve loved the Mattel characters since childhood when I got my first He-Man action figure as a gift.”
Impressed by his 7 years of MOTU coverage on his YouTube channel, Dad-at- Arms, Mattel Inc. executives invited Colt to attend the premiere. Colt also reported on the event for He-Man.org, a 3-decade forum for global MOTU fans who talk about protagonist Prince Adam and his secret superhero alter ego, He-Man.
In the latest film, a young man on Earth discovers he is the prince of an alien planet and must recover a magic sword and return home to protect his kingdom.
“The most memorable aspect of the premiere was being at such a big event to celebrate with like-minded fans and share our stories and memories,” Colt says.
In 1982, Mattel created the MOTU franchise as a blend of sword-and-sorcery with futuristic science fiction to teach children bravery, kindness, honesty and empathy. Since then, multigenerational fans have continued celebrating MOTU, with 37 million fans watching the movie’s trailer before its early June release.
Last year, Colt—who got his journalism degree from Boise State University—began working for the He-Man website, posting interviews and articles during free time from managing Triple C Farm, southeast of Burley in the Unity area.
“It’s a labor of love to write about MOTU—tracking down news and conducting interviews,” he says. “I find time when I can but never at the expense of my family or my farm work. ‘Masters of the Universe’ is my hobby.”
After the movie was released, Colt had the chance to interview Clayton Grover, who performed the stunts as Beast Man. Clayton reached out to Colt through He-Man.org.
He also interviewed James Unsworth, who served as the physical motion-capture performer for the villainous character voiced by Gary Martin. Through computer-generated imagery, the trio created Beast Man. Colt also interviewed Jon Xue Zhang, who played Ram Man in the film.
“Those interviews were amazing to do,” he says.
Working for He-Man.org is a fantasy come true for Colt. He had known about the site for years while developing his own MOTU social media sites.
“It was flattering last year when the administrator of He-Man.org noticed my podcast, Instagram and Twitter accounts, and offered me a job as the site’s journalist,” Colt says. “I couldn’t turn it down.”
To connect with other MOTU fans, in 2019 Colt launched his YouTube podcast, Dad-at-Arms, named for the character Man-at-Arms, a military strategist.
Among the topics he discussed on the podcast was the long-awaited MOTU film. In 2009, studio executives announced the production, but it kept getting postponed due to changes in the creative team. Finally, in 2024, Amazon MGM Studios undertook the project, wrapping up filming in England last summer.
Through his articles, Colt became friends with executives crucial to the film’s production.
“I’ve interviewed them, and we often message each other,” Colt says. “The premiere was my first time meeting them in person, and they were all so kind and welcoming.”
Colt says MOTU has an enduring appeal for fans of all ages. When He-Man was created, Mattel artists and toy designers took inspiration from Star Wars, Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. They added a unique visual flair with aliens, monsters, spooky skull castles, barbarians, magic swords, sorcery, and futuristic tech.
“In this world, they cast He-Man as a paragon of virtue, imbuing him with the ultimate Power of the Universe,” Colt says. “He chooses to use that power to help others and encourage his allies—and by extension, the audience—to be good people. When MOTU became a children’s animated series in 1983, each episode ended with a moral lesson about what children should learn from the day’s adventure.”
Colt says he is honored to be part of a talented He-Man.org team dedicated to preserving the brand and its history through the animated series, Netflix adaptations, and ongoing comic book series.
The website, launched in 1997, is a primary reason the He-Man brand has endured for the past 40-plus years, Colt says.
“Without it, many archival materials would have been lost to time,” he says. “Occasionally, Mattel has even reached out to us for information regarding character lore and world-building information.” Colt’s wife, Michelle, and their 2 sons understand his devotion to the MOTU brand.
“Our sons have their own interests, but I can occasionally corral them into watching some He-Man cartoons with me or regale them with all the lore details of the MOTU characters on my shelves,” he says.
Many in the MOTU community know Colt is a farmer who raises wheat, alfalfa, corn, beans, and horses, he says. Colt has worked in partnership with his father, Dennis, since 2011.
“We worked side by side until he retired 2 years ago, then I started managing the farm,” Colt says. “I’m proud to be the 4th generation to continue the family legacy that my great-grandfather started.”
When he has spare time and wants to relax, Colt does MOTU interviews. “Anytime I get to talk about He-Man is always going to make me happy,” he says.