THE BATMAN Writer Pitched a ROCKETEER Sequel to Disney and They Rejected It

Disney’s The Rocketeer remains one of those movies that fans just can’t quit. Released in 1991 and based on the beloved comic book character, the film delivered a fun mix of pulp adventure, retro sci-fi, and superhero action. It’s a favorite of mine!

While critics appreciated what it brought to the table, audiences didn’t show up in large enough numbers, and the movie struggled at the box office. As a result, plans for a sequel were abandoned.

Over the years, though, The Rocketeer found a second life. It built a loyal fanbase, earned cult-classic status, and became one of those movies people regularly point to as being ahead of its time.

Aside from a short-lived animated series that arrived in 2019, the character has been absent from the big screen for more than three decades.

Mattson Tomlin, the writer who worked on The Batman and The Batman: Part II for Matt Reeves, recently revealed on X that he and filmmaker J.D. Dillard pitched a sequel to The Rocketeer to Disney. Unfortunately, the studio passed on the idea.

He described the project as: “100 harrowing minutes that would have really leaned into how viscerally insane it is to strap yourself to a rocket and save the world from fascists”

That sounds like an interesting way to revisit the character by focusing on the sheer insanity and danger of being a hero powered by a rocket strapped to his back.

Tomlin also explained that the story would have unfolded in real time. Unfortunately, Disney wasn’t interested, and the project never moved forward. Reflecting on the rejection, Tomlin admitted he was “bummed it won’t see the light of day.”

That is kind of a bummer. As a fan of The Rocketeer, I would’ve loved to see a sequel! It would’ve been cool to see Tomlin’s vision realized.

What makes Tomlin’s idea so interesting is that it wasn’t trying to recreate the original. The real-time structure and emphasis on the physical reality of flying around with a rocket pack could have delivered something fun and different.

It sounds like the kind of concept that could have had a strong mix of thrilling action with plenty of humor while exploring aspects of superhero life.

I wonder if a Rocketeer sequel would actually hit with audiences. Nostalgia is strong with audiences, and they have shown they’re eager to revisit characters and franchises from earlier eras, but audiences are also unpredictable right now.

The original movie’s unique visual style, old-school adventure spirit, and charming world still stand out today. While I’d love to see a sequel, I’m not sure if it would deliver at the box office.

Whether Disney ever revisits the property remains to be seen. But there was an opportunity to bring The Rocketeer back in a way that felt exciting, inventive, and true to the character’s adventurous roots.