A blast from the past is in the early development stages for Disney+. The 1991 film, The Rocketeer is confirmed to be getting a sequel. The sequel will be titled, The Return of The Rocketeer and is being produced by Yoruba Saxon Productions. The company is founded by David Oyelowo and his wife, Jessica Oyelowo. According to Deadline, the project will be written by Ed Ricourt.
David Oyelowo seems to have confirmed the news posting, “Adventure Awaits,” to his Instagram, check it out here. Joe Johnston produced the original movie created 30 years ago after Dave Stevens‘ graphic novel. The sequel is reported to be focused on a “Retired Tuskegee airman who takes up the mantle of the Rocketeer,” taking a different spin on the original.
The original movie is described as,
The discovery of a top-secret jetpack hurls test pilot Cliff Secord into a daring adventure of mystery, suspense, and intrigue! Cliff encounters an assortment of ruthless villains, led by a Hollywood screen star who’s a secret Nazi spy (Timothy Dalton). With the help of his actress girlfriend, the young pilot battles enormous odds to defeat his foes who are anxious to use the device in an evil plan to rule the world! The dangerous mission transforms the ordinary young man into an extraordinary hero!
During an interview for the 30th anniversary of the original film, Billy Campbell, (the original Rocketeer) said this, “I hope they do another something but I also hope they respect the spirit of the original. I can only imagine that unless you get the right people involved and do it properly, that it’s almost bound to be a disappointment.” Campbell was asked what he felt made the film endure after all of these years. As this upcoming sequel is on the horizon, let’s hope it does justice to the original. There is no word on upcoming production, but let’s keep our ears and eyes open for this sequel!
While you wait the original movie is available here on Disney+.
