1. Don't Replace and/or Omit Characters
In 1987, the character of Orko was difficult to put on screen. He was largely a phantom, with no face, and hovering in mid air like a ghost. Still, so was Slimer in Ghostbusters and he was presented onscreen so this isn't an excuse. Masters '87 thought it was, however, and so we got Billy Barty in the role of Gwildor. He was literally put in to replace Orko---though it seemed to many viewers he was there only to explain the plot device of the Cosmic Key.
Gwildor was silly, as Orko was. He was small in stature as Orko was. He was comic relief, as Orko was. Gwildor's function as a character, his portrayal by Billy Barty or even his introduction into this film isn't what is in debate here. The fact that he replaced another character---one that was beloved by fans---is the problem. The filmmaker's openly stated this as fact and it has long been one of the major fan criticisms of this film.
From Skeletor's Rogues Gallery, Blade was in place as a vehicle to replace Trap Jaw, providing a mercenary, out for himself demeanor---Trap Jaw was only loyal to Skeletor because it suited him and sought to overthrow him more than once. Trap Jaw was also the master of metal, bladed weapons, usually affixing them to his arm and added a steel jaw to often bite the blades from enemy weapons. There is again no excuse to not have utilized Trap Jaw properly---except that it was perhaps another cost cutting measure used by this studio to get the film produced and save their studio. The fact that Canon Pictures didn't last long after this film's production should be a pretty good indicator of how well this worked. Orko, Cringer/Battlecat, Randor, Marlena, Cyclops, Stratos, Ram Man, Meka Nek and Mer-Man are all Characters that were omitted from the film that deserved to be utilized. Not all of them were replaced in the same manner as Orko and Trap Jaw---at least not as obviously---but were instead either replaced with new characters or left out completely. Any reboot of Masters of the Universe that hopes to succeed must include characters we grew up watching and it must be faithful to their origins and personalities. Sony Pictures has a lot to live up to with a Masters of the Universe film. Let's hope that Jon Chu is up to the challenge. He is, after all, helming the sequel for G.I. Joe---though, I have to admit, I'd prefer to reserve judgement on his ability to handle an 80s animated series adaptation until after I've seen what he can do in that arena. For now, I'm happy to know that there is still life in Greyskull and that Michael Bay is nowhere near it. Have an opinion? Sound off in the comments below.