Actor, director, and producer David Oyelowo has provided a disheartening update on the status of the Return of the Rocketeer, the sequel/reboot project in development at Disney+.
In a recent interview with the LA Times, Oyelowo revealed that the film is among several of his projects that have been effectively canceled due to the evolving political climate and a perceived shift away from prioritizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the entertainment industry.
Oyelowo, who was set to executive produce and star in the revival, stated, "We gained traction with that project in the wake of the George Floyd murder and in a moment where there was a cultural correction and people seemed to want to do better. But now we’re in a moment where it’s evident that a lot of that was performative and not bone-deep. Projects like that suddenly become challenged. ‘Onyeka’ being one, ‘Return of the Rocketeer’ at Disney being another."
First announced in August 2021, Return of the Rocketeer was intended to introduce a Black female lead who would take over the iconic Rocketeer mantle from Cliff Secord (played by Billy Campbell in the 1991 film).
Oyelowo and his wife were instrumental in developing the project as executive producers, with Oyelowo also slated for a significant on-screen role. Jessica Jones writer Ed Ricourt initially penned the script.
The project appeared to be progressing along, albeit at a slow clip, with the most recent update in October 2023 confirming that Sylvie's Love filmmaker Eugene Ashe was brought on to write a new iteration of the script.
However, Oyelowo's recent comments suggest that the film has now stalled, a casualty of what he describes as a retreat from genuine commitment to diverse storytelling.
The original Rocketeer film, released in 1991, was based on the comic book series created by writer/artist Dave Stevens in 1982. Following Stevens' passing in 2008, his estate licensed the property to IDW Publishing, continuing the legacy of the high-flying, jet pack hero.
This aligns with recent comments from Disney CEO Bob Iger, who stated that the studio would begin focusing on theatrical releases in the wake of mounting losses tied to operating Disney+.
One such development was that Walt Disney Animation Studios would no longer develop original long-form content for Disney+. Additionally, several other shows in development, along with Return of the Rocketeer, were shelved.
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