One unsuccessful – in box office terms, at least – attempt to bring something to the screen can sometimes soil a property for other filmmakers. But that doesn’t appear to be the case for Edgar Rice Burroughs’ John Carter Of Mars, as the writer’s estate is now trying to prove.With the rights back in its hands from Disney, the search is on for a new cinematic partner.
Despite Disney and director Andrew Stanton’s efforts with 2012’s John Carter, the Mouse House couldn’t generate enough interest in the property to kick off a franchise. And while the film is increasingly being seen less as a noble effort scuppered by confusing marketing, a push away from the core concept and differences of opinion, it seems to have opened the door for others to try again, with some salutary lessons to be learned. And it doesn’t hurt that Guardians Of The Galaxy has just used the oddball space adventure format to power a huge hit.
“John Carter Of Mars was the creative stimulus behind such movie classics as Superman, Star Wars and Avatar,” says Burroughs Inc. president James Sullos. “Edgar Rice Burroughs was 'the master of adventure' and his literary works continue to enjoy a world-wide following. We will be seeking a new partner to help develop new adventures on film as chronicled in the eleven Mars novels Burroughs wrote. This adventure never stops. Along with a new Tarzan film in development by Warner Bros., we hope to have John Carter become another major franchise to entertain world-wide audiences of all ages.”
The company will now start entertaining pitches by other companies and filmmaking teams to work on getting Carter’s ass back to Mars. The big question remains whether it really can work this time, especially in an era when so many of the elements it helped originate have been used by other movies and TV series. Warner Bros.' Tarzan, meanwhile, will be on our screens in 2016.