The Rocketeer Sequel Cancellation: What Happened and What's Next for the Franchise
In May, it was announced that Disney's plans to create a sequel to the 1991 film "The Rocketeer" had been canceled. The sequel, titled "The Return of the Rocketeer," was set to star and be produced by British actor David Oyelowo. Oyelowo would have played a retired Tuskegee airman who becomes the new Rocketeer. Unfortunately, Oyelowo revealed that both this film and another project, Netflix's "Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun" adaptation, were deemed too political to move forward.
Despite the setback, original "Rocketeer" star Billy Campbell remains hopeful that the franchise could make a comeback. Campbell played stunt pilot Cliff Secord in the original film, where he discovers a rocket pack and becomes the Rocketeer in 1938 California. The movie also starred Jennifer Connelly, Timothy Dalton, and Alan Arkin. Campbell later voiced the character in a Disney Jr. series in 2019.
Fans of "The Rocketeer" are eagerly awaiting news of a potential revival of the franchise. With the original star expressing optimism about its return, there may still be hope for new adventures of the Rocketeer on the big screen.