Disney may not have scored with an adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs‘ “John Carter of Mars,” but the author’s estate still hopes his book series can become a film franchise.
The movie, TV and merchandise rights to “John Carter” have reverted back to Edgar Rice Burroughs Inc., it announced this week, saying it will seek a new studio to continue the sci-fi adventure.
“’John Carter of Mars‘ was the creative stimulus behind such movie classics as ‘Superman,’ ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Avatar,’” said James Sullos, president of Edgar Rice Burroughs Inc. “Edgar Rice Burroughs was the master of adventure and his literary works continue to enjoy a worldwide following. We will be seeking a new partner to help develop new adventures on film as chronicled in the 11 Mars novels Burroughs wrote. This adventure never stops.”
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It stopped at Disney, however, when “John Carter,” produced for $250 million, flopped at the box office in 2012, earning just $284 million worldwide ($73 million domestically), forcing the company to write off $200 million in losses. Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “Wall-E”) directed the film.
Based in Tarzana, Calif., Burroughs Inc. has a number of films based on the author in the works, including a new Tarzan movie at Warner Bros. that is lensing now.
