Disney Cancels Sci-Fi Sequel: The Return of the Rocketeer
News that Disney has canceled a sci-fi movie sequel may come as a disappointment to many fans, as the studio has reportedly shelved "The Return of the Rocketeer," a follow-up to the 1991 fan favorite.
While the company continues to release numerous movies and streaming shows annually, some projects, unfortunately, don't make it past the initial stages. The sequel to the sci-fi movie, "The Return of the Rocketeer", had been in discussion for years.
It appeared to be moving towards development, but after 34 years since the original film's release, it never took off. What's on Disney Plus reported that the film was set to tell the story of a retired Tuskegee airman who assumes the mantle of the Rocketeer. David Oyelowo and his production company, Yoruba Saxon, were developing the project.
Former NBA star Blake Griffin and Ryan Kalil of Mortal Media were attached as executive producers. Oyelowo mentioned in late April that the sci-fi movie sequel doesn't seem to be progressing. He explained that gaining traction with other movies felt "performative and not bone-deep," making new projects more difficult to materialize.
He stated that "'Onyeka'is an absolute bull's-eye for what we are looking to make, but it is also symptomatic of the challenge we have. We gained traction with that project in the wake of the George Floyd murder and in a moment where there was a cultural correction and people seemed to want to do better. But now we're in a moment where it’s evident that a lot of that was performative and not bone-deep. Projects like that suddenly become challenged. 'Onyeka' being one, 'Return of the Rocketeer' at Disney being another."
The Original Rocketeer and Other Cancelled Disney Projects
The original "Rocketeer," released in 1991, revolved around a cocky stunt pilot who falls in love with an actress. He discovers a jet pack hidden in a biplane, and as The Rocketeer, he must protect the actress from an evil actor and Nazis seeking the technology.
The film is currently available for streaming on Disney+. But "The Return of the Rocketeer" isn't the only project facing cancellation. What other projects have met a similar fate at Disney?
While the sci-fi movie sequel to "The Rocketeer" is the most recent casualty, Disney has halted production on other high-profile projects. Anika Noni Rose, the star of "Tiana," expressed her disappointment earlier in 2025 when a "Tiana" series was canceled. This series would have continued the heroine's story from "The Princess and the Frog" (2009).
She shared her sadness about the project's end but thanked everyone involved and the fans for their support. Additionally, Bryce Dallas Howard, director of "The Mandalorian," discussed her "Witch Mountain" Disney+ project not moving forward in August 2024.
Terry Matalas and Travis Fickett, known for their work on "Star Trek: Picard" and "12 Monkeys," were slated to write the project, but it never materialized.
Will The Return of the Rocketeer Ever See the Light of Day?
For now, it seems "The Return of the Rocketeer" will remain shelved unless Disney can resolve any outstanding development issues. Given the company's fluid strategy with streaming releases, the likelihood of that happening appears slim.
What does this mean for the future of sci-fi movie sequels at Disney? Only time will tell. The entertainment landscape is constantly changing, and Disney's streaming strategy continues to evolve.
The cancellation of "The Return of the Rocketeer" highlights the volatility of the industry. Fans can only hope that their favorite stories will eventually find their way to the screen.
In conclusion, the cancellation of "The Return of the Rocketeer" serves as a reminder that even highly anticipated sci-fi movie projects can face unexpected setbacks. While disappointing for fans, it reflects the ever-changing dynamics of the entertainment industry.