We first heard about Disney's plans to reboot The Rocketeer all the way back in 2016 when a sequel to Joe Johnston's original was announced with a Black female lead taking over the Rocketeer mantle from Cliff Secord (Billy Campbell). That obviously never came to pass, and the idea was rejigged several times over the years.
Now, a very different version of the project is reportedly in the works for Disney+.
According to Deadline, The Return of the Rocketeer is being developed for the streaming service, with David and Jessica Oyelowo set to produce under their Yoruba Saxon banner. The former is also said to be circling the lead role, but it sounds like it's far from a done deal.
The script, which was penned by Now You See Me and Jessica Jones writer Ed Ricourt, will focus on "a retired Tuskegee airman who takes up the Rocketeer mantle."
Johnston's 1991 film was an adaptation of Dave Stevens’ graphic novel, and focused on a young pilot who stumbles across a prototype jetpack that allows him to become a rocket-propelled hero. It was a modest hit, and despite not being particularly well-received by critics at the time, it has since gone on to achieve cult status.
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