Andrew Stanton, the Oscar-winning filmmaker known for Pixar classics “WALL-E” and “Finding Nemo,” released a new film this year, “In the Blink of an Eye,” which received poor reviews.
Although Stanton is primarily known for his Pixar work, his live-action debut was 2012’s “John Carter,” which became one of the biggest box-office bombs in movie history. Critically, it was equally harshly received, and a planned series of “John Carter” sequels was canceled after Disney reportedly lost close to $200 million on the original film.
Stanton, who returns to theaters this summer with Pixar’s “Toy Story 5,” was asked by THR about the reassessment John Carter has been receiving over the past few years—something Stanton says he hadn’t even realized was happening.
He shared a story about how people often approach him on set to mention John Carter in a positive way:
This always happens at least once on every set. 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’
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.
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.
THR recently reassessed the film on its tenth anniversary by saying, “This was the moment Disney became the servant of sure bets […] That was when we entered the age of name recognition, where familiar characters and concepts—Jedi, superheroes—became worth more than any actor's name.
“John Carter” tackled a disillusioned American Civil War veteran who is mysteriously transported to Mars. Because the planet has weaker gravity, he gains superhuman strength and agility and becomes involved in a conflict between different Martian civilizations. While trying to find a way back to Earth, he allies with a Martian princess and other companions to stop a powerful enemy threatening the planet.
On its 10th anniversary, “John Carter” received more nuanced reassessments. Film scholar Chris Newby called it the best possible adaptation with deeper characters, while Drew Taylor (TheWrap) praised its charm, inventive action, and bold storytelling. Sandy Schaefer (/Film) noted it now feels refreshing and visually accomplished.
Maybe I should eventually give this a rewatch.