Entertainment · Film · 2 hrs ago
David Oyelowo Says Disney’s Rocketeer Sequel Could Still Happen
David Oyelowo says Disney’s Rocketeer sequel may still happen, though he did not confirm that it is moving forward.
The project, called The Return of the Rocketeer, would bring in a new hero rather than revive Cliff Secord, the lead character in the 1991 film.
The original film followed a stunt pilot who found an experimental jetpack and became a masked hero; it later developed a cult following despite struggling at the box office.
Disney announced the sequel in 2021, with Oyelowo attached to produce and potentially star, but director J.D. Dillard left the project in 2022 and it has not entered production.
Oyelowo’s comments reflect his hope, not a confirmed production plan; he said a project can take years to come together, citing his work on Lawmen: Bass Reeves.
Disney could lose the rights as early as June 2028, after the Rocketeer Trust filed notice to reclaim the copyrights.
If the rights return to the trust, Disney would need a new deal to make another film.
David Oyelowo said Disney’s planned Rocketeer sequel could still happen despite years of delays.
The actor said his experience developing Lawmen: Bass Reeves taught him that projects can take years to come to fruition.
Disney announced The Return of the Rocketeer in 2021, with Oyelowo attached to produce and potentially star.
The sequel has not entered production, and director J.D. Dillard left the project in 2022.
Disney could lose the rights to The Rocketeer as early as June 2028.
- Who
- David Oyelowo gave the update on Disney’s planned sequel.
- What
- Oyelowo said the sequel could still happen, but did not confirm it is moving forward.
- When
- In an interview reported on October 30, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Oyelowo said long development does not mean a project will never happen, citing his experience with Lawmen: Bass Reeves.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Disney began developing The Rocketeers, a planned sequel centered on a new pilot.
Disney introduced a younger generation to the franchise through an animated series.
Disney announced The Return of the Rocketeer, with Oyelowo attached to produce and potentially star.
Director J.D. Dillard exited the project.
Oyelowo said work on the script was still underway.
The termination of the property's copyrights is scheduled to take effect, according to the article.
- Original film
- The Rocketeer was released in 1991.
- Worldwide box office
- Approximately $46 million
- Planned sequel
- The Return of the Rocketeer
- Director exit
- J.D. Dillard left in 2022.
- Rights date
- June 2028
What people are saying
You just never you never know. You sort of put things out there in terms of what you hope to do. And you know I'm a big believer and I've been a beneficiary of this you know like Bass Reeves was something I tried to make for 10 years and even though it took 10 years it came to fruition in the end. So you just never know.