John Carter

“John Carter” is a Disney live-action science fiction film released in 2012. It is based on the novel “A Princess of Mars” by Edgar Rice Burroughs, which was published in 1912. The film was directed by Andrew Stanton and marked his first foray into live-action filmmaking, having previously directed successful animated films for Pixar like “Finding Nemo” and “WALL-E.”

The movie follows the adventures of John Carter, a Civil War veteran who finds himself transported to the planet Mars, known as Barsoom by its inhabitants. Upon arriving on Mars, Carter discovers that the planet is inhabited by various alien species and is engulfed in a conflict between different city-states.

Due to Mars’ lower gravity, Carter finds himself possessing superhuman strength and agility, making him a formidable warrior in this new world. He becomes entangled in the affairs of the planet’s inhabitants and is drawn into a war between two factions: the city of Helium, led by Princess Dejah Thoris, and the rival city of Zodanga, led by Sab Than.

As the story unfolds, Carter must navigate the treacherous political landscape of Barsoom and use his newfound abilities to protect the planet from a potential cataclysm. Along the way, he forms a bond with Dejah Thoris and becomes a crucial figure in the survival of the planet and its inhabitants.

“John Carter” is notable for its stunning visual effects and action sequences, which brought the Martian world to life on the big screen. However, the film faced mixed critical reception upon its release and was considered a box office disappointment, failing to recoup its massive production budget.

Despite its initial commercial struggles, “John Carter” has gained a cult following over the years, with some viewers appreciating its adventurous and imaginative storytelling. The film’s legacy lies in its influence on the science fiction genre and its faithful adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic novel.

While “John Carter” might not have achieved the commercial success Disney hoped for, it remains an ambitious and visually captivating cinematic experience that has left a mark on the science fiction landscape.

Fun Facts

• “John Carter” is based on the classic pulp fiction novel “A Princess of Mars” by Edgar Rice Burroughs, first published in 1912. The film brings the timeless story to the big screen.
• The production budget for “John Carter” was one of the highest ever for a Disney film, estimated at around $250 million. It was a major financial risk for Disney, and the movie needed to perform exceptionally well at the box office to break even. However, it faced tough competition and did not meet the studio’s high expectations.
• Despite its initial box office performance, “John Carter” has gained a cult following over the years, with fans appreciating its visual effects, world-building, and adventure elements. It has also sparked discussions about how marketing and title choices may have impacted its reception.