Disney and Selma star, David Oyelowo, are developing a sequel to the cult classic The Rocketeer. Based on the comic book series of the same name, Disney released The Rocketeer in June 1991, and the film was a modest hit at the box office but didn't live up to the expectations the studio had for the film. However, in the years, it gained a cult following and director Joe Johnston would get to do another superhero period film with Captain America: The First Avenger twenty years after the release of The Rocketeer.
Disney never fully gave up on The Rocketeer concept though. While an official sequel never was released, Disney Junior released an animated series titled The Rocketeer that focused on a young girl named Kit who becomes the new Rocketeer and even featured the star of the 1991 film, Billy Campbell, as Kit's father Dave and a cameo role as original Rocketeer, Cliff Secord. The series was canceled after one season but the combination of the series plus the enduring legacy of the 1991 film shows there is still potential in The Rocketeer for Disney.
According to Deadline, Disney is developing a sequel film titled The Return of the Rocketeer which will be released on Disney+. The film will be produced by David and Jessia Oyelowo, with possible potential for David Oyelowo to star in the film. The script will be written by Ed Ricourt (Now You See Me) and will focus on a retired Tuskegee airman who takes on the mantle of the Rocketeer.
This isn't the first time Disney has considered doing a Rocketeer film with a Black lead. Back in 2016, Disney was developing The Rocketeers which would have focused on a young African-American female pilot who finds the original Rocketeer's gear. The script was written by Matt Spicer and Max Winkler (Flower and Magic Camp) but the project never went further than the announcement and possibly has been reworked into this current project.
The Return of the Rocketeer on Disney+ continues the streaming services tradition of providing a home for reimaginings of Disney properties from the 1980s and '90s that may not generate big crowds to come out to the theaters but do provide incentives for clicks on the app. The streaming service features a reboot of Turner and Hooch plus a continuation series of the hit franchise The Mighty Ducks. The Rocketeer has been a beloved childhood classic for many, and the idea of a sequel seemed like an impossibility, but now Disney+ and these creatives have given that idea a chance.
Source: Deadline