The Rocketeer Reboot Gets Eugene Ashe as Its New Writer

Summary

• Disney+ is relaunching The Rocketeer with Eugene Ashe as the writer, known for his work on Sylvie’s Love.
• The original film, released in 1991, gained a dedicated audience over the years despite lukewarm box office performance.
• The reboot will have a new direction, focusing on a retired Tuskegee airman taking up the Rocketeer mantle, with David Oyelowo as the lead and executive producer.

Disney+ is fueling up its engines for a thrilling relaunch of The Rocketeer. In a significant move forward, Eugene Ashe, known for his directorial and writing prowess in the much-acclaimed Sylvie’s Love, has been enlisted as the writer for this reboot.

The Rocketeer has been a cherished gem since its 1991 release. Directed by Joe Johnston, the man behind Captain America: The First Avenger, it adapted Dave Stevens’ captivating comic character. Set against the backdrop of 1938 Los Angeles, the story dives deep into the life of stunt pilot Cliff Secord. Fate takes an adventurous turn for Secord when he discovers a hidden rocket pack, enabling him to soar the skies without any conventional aircraft. This airborne feat catches the attention of two contrasting entities: the influential Howard Hughes and the FBI, both chasing the mysterious disappearance of the rocket pack. The other shadowy pursuers? Nazi agents who had previously pilfered it from Hughes. Despite its intriguing premise, the film brought in around $47 million domestically, albeit receiving various awards.

Dave Stevens, alongside scriptwriters Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo, originally envisioned The Rocketeer as a trilogy. However, the somewhat lukewarm box office performance of the debut movie set the sequel aspirations on the back burner. As the years passed, the film attracted a dedicated audience. Consequently, chatter about a Disney revival has been a persistent topic in film circles.

RELATED: The Return of The Rocketeer Is Coming to Disney+ from Producer David Oyelowo

The Rocketeer Reimagined: David Oyelowo’s Dual Role and the New Direction

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

This anticipated relaunch, backed by Disney+, sees David Oyelowo not only as the lead but also wearing the hat of an executive producer. Alongside him in this venture is his wife, co-producing under their Yoruba Saxon production banner. Previously, Ed Ricourt was associated as the series writer. However, with Ashe’s recent association, the dynamics seem to have shifted. Adding to the mix, J.D. Dillard, the talented mind behind Devotion and who had been attached to the project since 2020, confirmed he would be stepping back from the director’s chair.

Oyelowo, in a conversation with TheWrap in 2022, shed light on the revamped direction for the reboot. Instead of retracing Secord’s footsteps, the narrative will revolve around a retired Tuskegee airman taking up the Rocketeer mantle. Oyelowo shared:

“We’re going to take care of the fans of the original and hopefully bring in a whole new fan base. In our film, he’s going to be an ex-Tuskegee airman, so it’s still in that 1940s milieu. We know we have to adhere to the things that people loved about the first one. But that was 30 years ago, so we want to make a film that’s going to resonate for the next 30 years and especially for now. That’s the needle we have to thread and we’re working hard to do so.”

As Ashe takes the writing baton, it raises questions about possible shifts in the central narrative. With a proven track record and fresh perspective, there’s considerable anticipation regarding how this beloved classic will be reimagined for contemporary audiences. Undoubtedly, with such dedicated talents at the helm, The Rocketeer is poised for an exhilarating comeback.

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