Disney had the rights to John Carter of Mars for most of the 90’s; Jeffrey Katzenberg had it in mind for an animated film, and then they decided on live action, with John McTiernan at the helm.

But then Paramount Pictures picked up the rights for a film version and discussed it with directors Robert Rodriquez, Kerry Conrad, and Jon Favereau. Now Paramount’s option on the property has expired, and Disney is in talks with the Edgar Rice Burroughs estate again to make John Carter of Mars a series for the studio.

The pulp franchise comes from the author of the Tarzan, a character with which Disney has some experience, and follows the adventures of a Civil War veteran who is mysteriously transported to a planet the locals call Barsoom, but turns out to be our next door neighbor, Mars. The Hollywood Reporter indicates John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Disney and the Pixar boss initiated the effort to try again for the Mars series, this time as a digitally animated film.

The kind of pulp adventure tone of Burroughs’s eleven books is seen as a good match for Disney’s family audience; the studio is hoping to turn the series into an ongoing franchise in keeping with the brand. With Pirates of the Caribbean coming to a close this summer, Disney could use a new hit tentpole.

Source: http://www.msn.com
Posted By Dennis Michael


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