The Rocketeer, Joe Johnston's 1991 Disney film, has been waiting for this news for 30 years. A new live-action Rocketeer movie is now in production. It's called The Return of the Rockeeter, and it is being developed for Disney+.
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Deadline reports that David Oyelowo, (Selma and Star Wars Rebels), is one of the producers. He may also star in the project. The new creative directive will focus on a retired Tuskegee pilot who assumes the role of the Rocketeer.
The screenplay was written by Ed Ricourt (Now You see Me, Wayward Pines), and is being produced under Yoruba Saxon's banner, a company owned by Jessica Oyelowo. After David Oyelowos directorial debut "The Water Man", it signed a first-look Disney deal earlier this summer.
The Rockeeter starred Bill Campbell in the role of Cliff, a stunt pilot who stumbles upon an experimental jetpack in the 1930s. A jet pack that Nazis also want, because they believe it will help them conquer the world. The film is a period superhero movie that Cliff defeats the Nazis. It stars Jennifer Connelly and Tim Dalton. It is still a great movie, even if you haven't seen it in awhile.
Even now, it feels like a franchise opener when you watch it. It was a disappointment for Disney when the film failed to reach $50 million in the U.S. The film has had a passionate fan base since its release. Many of these fans are actors and filmmakers themselves. There have been rumors or blips about Rocketeer projects throughout the years. This film is, however, the most promising, and Disney+ and Oyelowos are to be commended.
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