## Remember “Oblivion”? Yeah, neither did most people.
This cult sci-fi flick, starring Tom Cruise in a post-apocalyptic world, bombed at the box office when it hit theaters in 2013. But hold on a minute – before you dismiss it as another Hollywood misstep, hear us out.
The Making of John Carter: A Sci-Fi Epic Ahead of Its Time
Disney’s sci-fi epic, John Carter, was shaping up to be a truly epic film, with Andrew Stanton, the mastermind behind Pixar hits Finding Nemo and WALL-E, making his live-action debut with the film. Michael Chabon, an accomplished novelist who helped contribute to the Spider-Man 2 screenplay, co-wrote the script. The cast was talented, including Bryan Cranston, Willem Dafoe, and Mark Strong among them.
Casting and Production Hurdles
Tom Cruise’s Interest in the Role
Tom Cruise was determined to play the lead role in John Carter, but Andrew Stanton had already cast Taylor Kitsch for the part. In an oral history conducted by Morningpicker, Stanton admitted that casting John Carter himself was a tough process, especially since the list of potential candidates was apparently a very long one.
Cruise’s History with the Material
Cruise had a long history with the John Carter material, dating back to 1990 when Disney was considering an adaptation with him as Carter and Julia Roberts as Deja Thoris. The team behind the scenes was just as impressive: John McTiernan was approached to direct following the success of Predator and Die Hard, with Back to the Future screenwriter Bob Gale tapped to flesh out the script.
The Team Behind the Scenes
The team behind Stanton’s version of John Carter included Michael Chabon, who co-wrote the script, and John McTiernan, who was initially approached to direct. Stanton had his mind set on casting Kitsch, though: “I had Taylor already in mind by the time Tom made his interest known. Tom had a long history with the material, so it wasn’t too surprising to discover he still had interest in it. He was a consummate professional in his discussions with me about the role, and beyond respectful to the fact I was already on an audition path with Taylor,” he said.
The Baffling Marketing Campaign
Stanton’s Marketing Choices
Stanton made a number of baffling choices for the marketing campaign, including not advertising Pixar’s involvement in the film and using the title “John Carter” instead of “John Carter of Mars”.
The Inexperienced Marketing Team
The marketing team at Disney led by someone with no experience in movies, which contributed to the film’s poor box office performance.
The Impact of the Marketing Campaign
The marketing campaign failed to effectively promote the film, leading to a lack of awareness and excitement among potential viewers.
The Box Office Misfortunes
The Film’s Unique Worldbuilding
John Carter features a rich and detailed worldbuilding, which rivals that of films like Dune and Game of Thrones.
The Action-Packed Adventure
The film is an action-packed adventure that also has a fair amount of humor and heart.
The Impact of the Box Office Misfortunes
The box office misfortunes of John Carter have had a lasting impact on the film’s reputation, with many considering it a “bad” movie due to its poor box office performance.
Legacy and Implications
The Film’s Influence on Future Sci-Fi Films
John Carter’s unique worldbuilding and action-packed adventure have influenced the development of future sci-fi films.
The Impact on Disney’s Marketing Strategy
The box office misfortunes of John Carter have led Disney to reassess its marketing strategy for future films.
The Legacy of Andrew Stanton and Michael Chabon
The collaboration between Stanton and Chabon on John Carter has resulted in a lasting legacy in the world of science fiction filmmaking.
Conclusion
Revisiting the Timeless Cult Classic: A Lasting Legacy Beyond the Numbers
The article “12 Years Later, the Disney Cult Sci-Fi Movie That Tom Cruise Wanted to Star in Is Way Better Than Its Baffling Box Office Would Suggest” sheds new light on the often-overlooked sci-fi masterpiece, ‘Tron: Legacy.’ As we delve into the intricate world of this cinematic phenomenon, it becomes clear that the film’s merits extend far beyond its initial box office performance. The article expertly highlights the film’s groundbreaking visuals, intricate storyline, and the genius of its composer, Daft Punk. Moreover, the discussion around Tom Cruise’s involvement and the director Joseph Kosinski’s vision for the project adds a fascinating layer of depth to the narrative.
The significance of ‘Tron: Legacy’ lies in its ability to transcend its initial box office failure and evolve into a cult classic. This phenomenon speaks to the enduring power of cinema to resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impact on popular culture. As we reflect on the film’s influence, it becomes clear that ‘Tron: Legacy’ is more than just a movie – it’s a testament to the creative vision of its makers and the power of art to transcend commercial expectations. As we look to the future, it’s exciting to consider the potential for more films like ‘Tron: Legacy’ to defy expectations and leave a lasting legacy.
In the end, ‘Tron: Legacy’ stands as a shining example of a film that has defied the odds to become a beloved cult classic. Its influence can be seen in the many sci-fi movies and TV shows that have followed in its footsteps, and its impact on popular culture will continue to be felt for years to come. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in film, ‘Tron: Legacy’ serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of cinema to inspire, to captivate, and to leave a lasting mark on the world.