Disney Lose Rights To John Carter Franchise

In an interesting development regarding Disney’s ownership of the ‘John Carter’ rights, they’ve now reportedly handed them back over to Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.

But what does this mean for future ‘John Carter’ movies?

After The Mouse House released their live-action version in 2012, it was met with a mixed reception, which was topped by it flopping at the box office. Costing a massive $250 million, it ended up taking just $285 million worldwide, losing a few hundred million in the process.

Director Andrew Stanton (‘Finding Nemo’) appeared keen on a sequel, but after the huge loses it suffered, it was never likely that Disney would venture down that precarious path again.

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But now Edgar Rice Burroughs’ company has announced that the rights to the franchise — including films, TV, and merchandise — have reverted back to them.

Founded in 1923, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. was created by ‘John Carter’ scriber Edgar Rice Burroughs, which includes trademark rights to all of his literary works, including anything using the name. It also included Disney’s adaptation of the character that first appeared in print back in 1912.

So what will happen to the franchise now?

With the rights firmly back under the wing of the late writer’s company (he died way back in 1950), they’ll surely seek out another studio to produce either a sequel or (dare I say it) a reboot.

But after seeing it slump in the summer of 2012, who in their right mind would touch it now? Perhaps it’ll be serialised again into a comic, or may see the light of day in the shape of a TV series, who knows?

What do you think the future of ‘John Carter’ holds?

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Picture credits: Disney, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.