John Carter Director on Film’s Reassessment & Finding a New Audience After Box Office Bomb

Los Angeles, CA – Fourteen years after its initial release, Andrew Stanton’s ambitious adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “John Carter of Mars” is experiencing a remarkable reassessment. Once branded a colossal box office failure, the 2012 film is now finding a dedicated audience and sparking conversations about its merits, particularly its commitment to classic adventure storytelling. Stanton, currently promoting Pixar’s upcoming “Toy Story 5,” recently expressed surprise at the film’s enduring appeal, acknowledging a growing appreciation for a project that initially faced significant headwinds.

The story of “John Carter” is a cautionary tale in Hollywood economics. Produced on a reported budget of $263.7 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the film grossed $284.1 million worldwide. While not a complete disaster financially, the massive marketing costs – estimated to be around $100 million – coupled with the high production budget, meant Disney took a substantial loss. The failure led to the cancellation of planned sequels, despite Stanton having already developed detailed storylines for subsequent installments.

A Second Look at a Sci-Fi Epic

Despite the initial critical and commercial reception, “John Carter” has steadily gained a following over the years. Online communities and film enthusiasts have championed the film’s visual effects, its faithful adaptation of Burroughs’ source material and its traditional-fashioned swashbuckling spirit. This renewed interest hasn’t gone unnoticed by Stanton, who shared a revealing anecdote about encountering fans on set.

“This always happens at least once on every set,” Stanton told THR. “We’ll be about to roll, and a grip will whisper to me, ‘John Carter.’ And I always say to them, ‘You don’t have to whisper anymore.’” This experience, he explained, highlighted a belief that the film always had an audience, but that it wasn’t effectively reached during its initial release. “I firmly believe there was always that audience. We just didn’t understand that, and we didn’t cater to them [in whatever way]. it got overlooked. But it’s nice to know there was an audience for it, and that it’s founded.”

Stanton’s sentiment reflects a broader trend in film criticism and appreciation. Films initially dismissed or overlooked often find new life through home video, streaming services, and word-of-mouth. The enduring power of storytelling, and the ability of audiences to connect with narratives on their own terms, can transcend initial commercial failures. The director emphasized the lasting impact of creative perform, stating, “The nice thing about finishing a piece of creative work – whether it’s a book or an album or a movie – is that it’s there for people to find for the rest of time. Unless it’s banned, it can’t be stopped.”

The Challenges of Adapting a Literary Classic

“John Carter of Mars,” the first in Burroughs’ Barsoom series, has been a cornerstone of science fiction and fantasy literature since its publication in 1912. The story follows John Carter, a Civil War veteran who mysteriously finds himself transported to Mars, where he becomes embroiled in the planet’s conflicts and discovers extraordinary abilities in the lower gravity. Adapting such a beloved and complex work for the big screen presented significant challenges.

The film starred Taylor Kitsch as John Carter, alongside Lynn Collins as Dejah Thoris, Samantha Morton as Tars Tarkas, Mark Strong as Thern, Ciarán Hinds as Tardos Mors, Dominic West as Matai Shang, James Purefoy as Kantos Kan, and Willem Dafoe as Thark. The cast brought a level of gravitas and commitment to their roles, but the film’s ambitious scope and complex world-building proved difficult to convey to a broad audience.

One of the key criticisms leveled against the film was its pacing and exposition. The film attempted to establish a vast and intricate universe, introducing numerous characters, factions, and concepts in a relatively short amount of time. This resulted in a narrative that felt rushed and confusing to some viewers. The film’s marketing campaign struggled to effectively communicate the unique appeal of the story, often focusing on generic action sequences rather than the film’s core themes of adventure, heroism, and cultural clash.

A Potential for Revival?

While a direct sequel to “John Carter” seems unlikely, Stanton has previously discussed ideas for continuing the story. According to Collider, he had developed titles and synopses for two potential sequels: “John Carter: Gods of Mars” and “John Carter: Warlords of Mars.” These concepts explored further adventures on Barsoom, delving deeper into the planet’s mythology and political intrigue.

More recently, Stanton has suggested that the story of “John Carter” might be better suited for a streaming series. As reported by FortressofSolitude.co.za, he believes a streaming format would allow for a more comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the Barsoom universe. “I consider it would be a good franchise for a streaming series,” Stanton stated. “You could really get into the weeds of the world.”

The success of other science fiction and fantasy series on streaming platforms, such as “The Mandalorian” and “The Wheel of Time,” demonstrates the potential for long-form storytelling in these genres. A “John Carter” series could capitalize on the existing fanbase and attract new viewers with its unique blend of action, adventure, and world-building. The shift in audience preferences towards serialized narratives could provide the ideal environment for the Barsoom saga to finally flourish.

The Impact on Hollywood

The failure of “John Carter” had a ripple effect throughout Hollywood. As noted by The Hollywood Reporter, the film’s underperformance contributed to a period of increased caution among studios regarding big-budget science fiction projects. Studios became more risk-averse, prioritizing established franchises and proven concepts over original properties.

However, the film’s subsequent reassessment suggests that the lessons learned from “John Carter” were not solely about avoiding ambitious storytelling. Rather, the film’s failure highlighted the importance of effective marketing, clear narrative structure, and understanding the target audience. The film’s enduring appeal demonstrates that there is still a demand for imaginative and visually stunning science fiction adventures, provided they are presented in a way that resonates with viewers.

As Andrew Stanton prepares for the release of “Toy Story 5” this summer, the renewed interest in “John Carter” serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Hollywood and the enduring power of a good story. The film’s journey from box office bomb to cult classic is a testament to the fact that sometimes, it takes time for audiences to discover and appreciate a truly unique and ambitious work of art.

The entertainment industry will be closely watching the performance of “Toy Story 5” this summer, as it could further solidify Stanton’s position as a visionary filmmaker. Further discussion regarding potential revivals of the “John Carter” universe are expected to continue online, fueled by the film’s growing fanbase and the director’s openness to exploring new possibilities.

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