Disney+'s THE ROCKETEER Reboot Sequel Moves Forward with Writer Eugene Ashe: David Oyelowo Set to Star and Produce

Disney+ has hired Eugene Ashe to write the reboot sequel of the beloved 1991 classic, The Rocketeer, for the streamer. Ashe previously wrote and directed the film Sylvie’s Love, for which he received an Emmy nomination. David Oyelowo (Selma, Silo) is attached to star and produce the film. The project is part of his and his wife’s two-year first-look deal with Disney. 

Released in 1991, Disney’s The Rocketeer is a period superhero film that starred Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin, Timothy Dalton and the late Paul Sorvino. The film was directed by Joe Johnston. The story is based on the comic book character of the same name created by comic book artist and writer Dave Stevens, who first appeared as a back-up story in the pages of “Starslayer” in 1982. The character then starred in his own title, saving his girlfriend from villains and uncovering sinister plots.

Set in 1938 Los Angeles, the original Disney film followed Cliff Secord (Campbell), a young stunt pilot who stumbles upon a prototype jetpack. Secord straps on the rocket and becomes the high-flying hero known as The Rocketeer. However, when Nazis and other villains become interested in the rocket pack, Secord must use his new powers to protect his loved ones (including his struggling actress girlfriend, played by Connelly) and save the day. While the movie was heavily hyped, it underperformed at the box office, failing to meet the lofty expectations of becoming the “next Batman.” But in the years since it has become something of a cult favorite.

In 2019 the character was briefly resurrected (sort of) for an animated preschool series called The Rocketeer, which also saw Campbell return, this time as Dave Secord, although he did voice Cliff in the first episode (appearing in old newsreel footage). It was canceled after a single season but you can watch the episodes on Disney+.

via: The Wrap