# How Queen’s Brian May Recaptured ‘Flash Gordon’ Magic for ‘Masters of the Universe’

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/how-queens-brian-may-recaptured-flash-gordon-magic-for-masters-of-the-universe/
- Published: 2026-10-30T14:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-30T15:51:30+00:00
- Original publisher: Rolling Stone
- Original article: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/queen-brian-may-flash-gordon-masters-of-the-universe-1235649908/
- Topics: Entertainment, Film, Music

## Key points

- Brian May played on the *Masters of the Universe* score.
- Pemberton drew inspiration from Queen’s *Flash Gordon* soundtrack.
- The “Eternia” theme blends camp, disco and rock.

## Summary

Composer Daniel Pemberton brought Queen guitarist Brian May into the score for *Masters of the Universe*, aiming for the exuberant rock sound of Queen’s *Flash Gordon* soundtrack. May’s contribution matters because it gives the Eighties-inspired film a direct musical link to that era while helping shape its bold, deliberately campy style.

May joined after Pemberton reached him while they were both at Abbey Road Studios. He then spent about three days at his home studio playing on every cue he could, including the “Eternia” theme, which Pemberton wanted to combine disco energy with powerful rock guitar. May was drawn to the project by memories of his son’s interest in He-Man; two vinyl editions of the score are due next year.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.