Before Iron Man amazed us with his flying technology, there was Disney’s The Rocketeer. It was a 1991 movie, a period-piece about a stunt-pilot-turned-hero who fights crime while strapped to a jetpack. Oh, and it was also directed by Joe Johnston, who would later direct Captain America: The First Avenger. Despite being a critical and cult favorite, The Rocketeer didn’t go on to become a sprawling franchise like Indiana Jones. This all changed at Comic-Con this year, when Disney announced (we saw via ScreenCrush) a new Disney Junior Show, The Rocketeer.
Except, this time we won’t be following stunt-pilot Cliff Secord. Instead, we’ll follow along Kit Secord as she learns to fly and helm the Rocketeer’s mantle. The first look at the show features Kit suited up in her Rocketeer gear, complete with an updated Rocketeer helmet. Beside her is her bulldog sidekick Butch, rocking some pretty awesome doggles (dog goggles).
We still aren’t sure yet if Kit is related to Cliff Secord. Besides Kit, the only other Secord mentioned is her mechanic grandfather, Ambrose Secord. We did learn though, that Billy Campbell, the original Rocketeer, will be a voice on the series. We’re betting he’s either reprising his role as Cliff or he’ll play Ambrose. Regardless, we’re glad to have him back in the Rocketeer universe.
We’re also super excited to have Kit as the Rocketeer. She already has confidence and charisma that will make her fun to watch. Plus, the animation of this show is gorgeous. The amount of detail on both Kit and Butch really shows how smaller productions—like TV—are benefiting from improving computer animation technology. The show’s beautiful color palette and creative character designs are a fresh take on the aesthetics of the original Rocketeer.
Check out the original synopsis of The Rocketeer below:
Kit Secord learns she’s secretly next in line to become The Rocketeer, a rocket-pack wearing superhero who can fly! Armed with her cool new gear and secret identity, Kit takes to the skies to protect the citizens of Hughesville with the help of her best friend Tesh, bulldog sidekick Butch, and airplane mechanic grandfather, Ambrose Secord.
The Rockeeter will soon be available to watch on both Disney Junior and the DisneyNOW app.