Disney+’s THE ROCKETEER reboot sequel moves forward with writer Eugene Ashe: David Oyelowo to star and produce

Disney+ has taken over Eugene Ashe to write the sequel reboot of the beloved 1991 classic, The Rocket Launcher, for the streamer. Ashe has already written and directed the film Sylvie’s lovefor which he received an Emmy nomination. David Oyelowo (Selma, Silo) is set to star in and produce the film. The project is part of he and his wife’s two-year first-look deal with Disney.

Released in 1991, Disney The Rocket Launcher is a period superhero film starring 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 later starred in his own title. , saving his girlfriend from bad guys and uncovering sinister plots.

Set in 1938 Los Angeles, the original Disney film followed Cliff Secord (Campbell), a young stunt pilot who stumbles across a prototype jetpack. Secord straps on the rocket and becomes the high-flying hero known as The Rocketeer. However, when Nazis and other criminals take an interest in the rocket, Secord must use his new powers to protect his loved ones (including his troubled actress girlfriend, played by Connelly) and save the day. Although the film was heavily advertised, he underperformed at the box office, failing to live up to the lofty expectations of becoming the “next Batman.” But in the years that followed he became something of a cult.

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

via: The Wrap