Movies / Comics To Film News

From Comic Book To Film, One To Watch For: John Carter Of Mars

By Patrick Oliver
September 3, 2009 - 14:04

Andrew Stanton, the director of a Bug's Life, Finding Nemo and Wall-E, takes on helming duties on 'John Carter of Mars', a movie based on the Edgar Rice Burrows 'Barsoom' novels. ('Barsoom' is what the Martians call Mars.)



For those that don't know, there are several books penned by the well known and highly popular Burroughs featuring, John Carter, who may or may not be immortal. The basic story is that he was a Civil War veteran who found himself travelling back and forth (via astral projection) between the differing planets, becoming prisoner, then a warrior, saviour and eventually warlord of the planet Mars.

John Carter has been adapted for both comic strips and comic books from as early as the 1940's and 1950's by Dell (Little Big Books) and by comic book giants DC Comics and Marvel Comics in the early and late 1970's respectively. I remember seeing the title as a back issue and thinking, 'That looks interesting, maybe...' but probably got distracted by finding some other long sort after title and picking that up instead! I may have to go in search again.


Portrayed as a planet of abundant flora and mythic beasts, with a heady mix of humanoid inhabitants, the Mars of the novels is full of internal strife. There are   different factions fighting over the scraps of what was once a proud civilisation. The factions range in colour; some are  red, while others are yellow, black and white. There are even twelve foot tall, four armed, green inhabitants! I like it.



Due for release in 2012, 'John Carter of Mars' boasts some pretty impressive acting talent in Willem Defoe, Samantha Morton, Dominic West, Polly Walker and Mark Strong. It also has some good up and coming talent too in the form Taylor Kitsch (Friday Night Lights, X-men Origins : Wolverine) and Lynne Collins (True Blood, X-men Origins : Wolverine) who both have a healthy mix of small screen and big screen work on their resumes.

This could be big. My better half and I have already agreed that we will go and see this when it is released. Can't wait.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12