David Oyelowo Says The Return of the Rocketeer Could Still Happen
The actor remains hopeful about the long-delayed Disney sequel but did not confirm it is moving forward, Screen Rant reports.
David Oyelowo said he remains hopeful that The Return of the Rocketeer can still happen, despite the sequel's troubled development. The actor did not confirm whether the project is moving forward, and no production schedule or release date has been announced, according to Screen Rant.
Oyelowo compared the sequel's long development to his decade-long effort to bring Lawmen: Bass Reeves to television.
Disney announced The Return of the Rocketeer in 2021, with Oyelowo attached to produce and potentially star as a former Tuskegee Airman who takes up the mantle. Director J.D. Dillard exited the project in 2022, and Eugene Ashe was later brought on to write the screenplay. In 2023, Oyelowo said work on the script was still underway.
The 1991 film The Rocketeer, directed by Joe Johnston and starring Billy Campbell, earned approximately $46 million worldwide and later developed a cult following. Based on Dave Stevens' comic book character, it followed pilot Cliff Secord.
Disney's earlier attempts to continue the franchise include a planned sequel titled The Rocketeers, which was in development in 2016 but never moved forward, and an animated series released in 2019. The Rocketeer Trust has filed a notice to reclaim the property's copyrights, effective June 2028.
Quick answers
Is The Return of the Rocketeer still happening?
David Oyelowo said he remains hopeful the sequel can still happen, but he did not confirm it is moving forward, and no production schedule or release date has been announced.
Who is attached to The Return of the Rocketeer?
Oyelowo is attached to produce and potentially star. Eugene Ashe was brought on to write the screenplay after director J.D. Dillard exited the project in 2022.
When did Disney announce The Return of the Rocketeer?
Disney announced the sequel in 2021.