The Rocketeer Sequel Takes Flight with a 'Grounded' Approach, Reveals David Oyelowo
David Oyelowo promises a more grounded sequel to The Rocketeer, hinting at a fresh take on the beloved original With forward momentum, this highly anticipated project is set to captivate audiences once again
David Oyelowo has been promoting his long-awaited sequel to The Rocketeer, promising that his adaptation will be more realistic than the original 1991 film.
The Rocketeer is an incredible action-adventure film that didn't receive the recognition it should have in the early 1990s. It was based on the comic book character of the same name and starred Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connolly, and Timothy Dalton. The official synopsis is as follows:
Test pilot Cliff Secord is thrown into a high-stakes adventure after discovering a top-secret jetpack. With the help of his actress girlfriend, he must battle ruthless villains, including a Hollywood screen star who is secretly a Nazi spy, to prevent the device from being used for world domination. This dangerous mission transforms Cliff into an unlikely hero. David Oyelowo has been working on a sequel to the film Lawman: Bass Reeves for some time and recently shared an update on its progress.
The Rocketeer sequel will be “more grounded” says David Oyelowo
"We are making clear progress. I understand that you may hear similar statements often, but we are currently in the process of developing the script. If we are going to breathe new life into that cherished franchise, we need to deliver exceptional work," stated David Oyelowo to The Wrap. "Screenwriter Eugene Ashe is currently hard at work on it, and we were just discussing it earlier this week. We are all fully dedicated to this. However, it needs to be outstanding, and we will not stop until it meets that standard."
"I was a big fan of the original film. There was something about it that had a heroic and inspiring quality, similar to the cowboy genre. I appreciated the fact that it had a more DIY feel, with no superpowers involved. It was just a guy, which made it feel more relatable. As for the new movie, I had the idea of exploring what would happen if the jetpack was passed on to an ex-Tuskegee Airman. This character would have the skill and bravery to take on the role of a hero, without needing a big explanation as to why."
The original film had to do more to establish how protagonist Cliff Secord, a circus pilot, transitions into his new role. A World War II ace pilot, his skills are what make the story exciting in a slightly different way. The Rocketeer is now available on Disney+, for more TV and Movie coverage click here.
Editor's P/S
As a fan of the original Rocketeer movie, I am thrilled to hear that David Oyelowo is working on a sequel. The original film was a classic, and I believe that Oyelowo has the talent and vision to create a sequel that is both faithful to the original and also fresh and exciting. I am particularly intrigued by Oyelowo's idea of exploring what would happen if the jetpack was passed on to an ex-Tuskegee Airman. This would add a new layer of depth and complexity to the story, and I can't wait to see how Oyelowo develops it.
I also appreciate Oyelowo's commitment to making the sequel more grounded and realistic than the original. The original film had a bit of a campy feel, which was charming in its own way, but I think a more grounded approach will help to make the story more believable and immersive. I am confident that Oyelowo will be able to strike the right balance between honoring the original film and bringing something new and exciting to the table. I can't wait to see the finished product!
