Let’s be completely honest for a second: Hollywood did John Carter dirty back in 2012. It was plagued by one of the most infamously botched marketing campaigns in cinematic history, yet anyone who actually sat down to watch it discovered a wildly ambitious, breathtaking pulp sci-fi epic. Now, the buzz surrounding an imagined 2027 continuation has reignited an old obsession—and it poses a question fans have debated for over a decade: what happens when the legendary Warlord of Mars is forced out of retirement?
The Red Planet Beckons: A Fragile Peace on the Brink
The concept behind this imagined return centers on a tragic reality: peace never lasts on Barsoom. After years away from the front lines, John Carter believes his bloody campaigns are long behind him. He found love, forged impossible alliances between rival red and green Martian tribes, and earned his rest. But across the crimson dunes, ancient treaties are quietly crumbling, and a shadowy power is stirring from the uncharted territories beyond the frontier.
Mild spoilers ahead — nothing past the midpoint.
When Old Legends Collide with New Nightmares
The setup wastes no time shattering the tranquility. When emissaries from allied kingdoms vanish without a trace along the border wastes, whispers spread of a weapon—or entity—that predates even the Therns. Carter isn’t looking for another crusade, but when Princess Dejah Thoris uncovers evidence that the rising faction possesses technology capable of draining Barsoom’s remaining atmosphere, inaction is no longer an option.
And then… everything changes.
Carter ventures into the jagged canyons alongside his trusted Thark ally, Tars Tarkas, only to realize this isn’t merely a rebellion; it’s an orchestrated purge from deep within their own council. The first major turning point hits like a sledgehammer when Carter discovers that the vanguard leading the enemy force isn’t alien at all—they are bearing Earth-forged steel and relics Carter thought were buried forever back in the 19th century.
How did humanity’s reach extend to Mars centuries before modern space travel? And who guided them there?
Here’s what most people missed: the core conflict isn’t just about reclaiming Martian skies. It’s about a weary warrior facing the terrifying truth that his presence on Barsoom may have triggered the very catastrophe threatening to destroy it.
The Best Elements of This Vision
- Emotional Depth: Transforming Carter from a displaced drifter into a world-weary protector grappling with wartime trauma elevates the stakes far beyond standard sword-and-planet cliches.
- World-Building Potential: Expanding the lore to uncharted Martian territories finally digs into the deep mythological roots Edgar Rice Burroughs created.
- Pulp Spectacle: The sheer kinetic thrill of massive airship dogfights paired with brutal, low-gravity arena combat remains an untouched cinematic niche.
Where a Sequel Could Fumble
- CGI Saturation: Without grounded physical sets and tactile creature effects, returning to Barsoom risks devolving into a hollow digital playground.
- Lore Bloat: Balancing the heavy political intrigue of multiple alien city-states while keeping the pace relentless is a razor-thin wire to walk.
The Pulse-Pounding Highlights
Picture this: a twilight siege across the ruins of a floating Martian citadel, where John Carter leaps hundreds of feet through burning wreckage while wielding twin radium blades alongside towering four-armed Thark warriors. The sheer spectacle alone reminds us why this universe deserves redemption.
The Verdict
Whether an official sequel ever makes it out of development purgatory or remains a legendary fan concept, the enduring love for Barsoom proves one undeniable truth: John Carter’s story was never finished. It has heart, raw spectacle, and a timeless heroism modern blockbusters sorely miss. If Barsoom calls once more, count us first in line.
What Viewers Are Saying
- Marcus Vance: “The 2012 film was criminally underrated. If Disney ever gave this property the Dune treatment, it would blow minds.”
- Elena Rostova: “Taylor Kitsch brought so much raw heart to Carter. Seeing him return older, grittier, and battle-scarred is literally my dream pitch.”
- Devon Miller: “Barsoom had better world-building than most modern franchises. We were robbed of Gods of Mars!”
- Samantha Reed: “That hook about Earth-forged relics on Barsoom gave me absolute chills. That’s how you build a real sequel mystery.”
- Julian Thorne: “People forget how groundbreaking Burroughs’ books were. It inspired Star Wars and Avatar. Bring Carter back!”
- Chloe Jenkins: “I’d watch this just to see Lynn Collins back as Dejah Thoris kicking absolute butt with a Martian sword.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Disney officially developing John Carter 2?
No official sequel has been greenlit by Disney. The rights to Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom literary works reverted back to the Burroughs estate in recent years, making future adaptations possible under different studios.
Why did the original 2012 movie struggle at the box office?
Despite strong audience reactions over time, the 2012 release suffered from massive production budget overruns and a stripped-down marketing campaign that notoriously removed ‘of Mars’ from the title, leaving casual moviegoers confused about the premise.
Are the original actors interested in returning?
Stars like Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins have frequently expressed fond memories and pride in their work on the original film, though both have acknowledged that moving on was a necessary part of the industry given how long it has been.
