LA Clippers: A look at Blake Griffin’s ‘The Rocketeers’

Here’s a look into the film work of LA Clippers star Blake Griffin, currently a producer for a remake of Disney’s “The Rocketeer”.

The LA Clippers’ own Blake Griffin has partnered with Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Ryan Kalil to form Mortal Productions. Through their new production company the duo is tackling a reboot sequel to the 1991 period superhero film, “The Rocketeer”.

“The Rocketeer” was one of my favorite movies growing up, and I was absolutely ecstatic when I heard the long-awaited sequel was coming. The fact that Blake Griffin is producing the film just makes me more excited (if that were possible).

So, let’s revisit that slice of early ’90s charm, try to make some guesses as to the direction of the remake, and see if there might be a part in it for Griffin.

The Visual Effects

“The Rocketeer” was released in 1991 by Disney, costing $40 million to make while only grossing $46 million in theaters. It was considered a commercial flop. Over the years, however, the movie started to develop a cult following through strong VHS and laserdisc sales.

“What makes The Rocketeer so unique was having several one-of-a-kind planes that had’t flown in years.” – Craig Hosking

Directed by Joe Johnston, the original is a practical effects masterpiece. Johnston got his start in Hollywood doing special effects. He was the art director for “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”, “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi”, “Raiders of the Lost Arc,” and “Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom”. His directorial debut was “Honey I Shrunk the Kids”.

Needless to say, Johnston is a master at effects driven films. “The Rocketeer” is no slouch in this department.

Roger Ebert praised the visual effects as state of the art. “What makes “The Rocketeer” so unique was having several one-of-a-kind planes that hadn’t flown in years,” said Aerial Coordinator Craig Hosking in an interview.

More from Clippers News

• Grade the trade: Clippers shockingly land Trae Young in wild proposal
• 3 of the most overpaid players on the LA Clippers’ roster
• How will the LA Clippers fare in the in-season tournament?
• Why the LA Clippers should steer clear of recent gold medalist waiver
• LA Clippers 2023-24 full 82-game schedule

This included an extremely rare Gee Bee Model 2 Racer, which was nicknamed the Widowmaker by pilots because of its dangerous reputation. Stop motion animation and a life-sized dummy were used to create the jetpack flying sequences, and while these effects have started to show their age, the plane stunt work stands the test of time.

In the reboot, I hope they don’t rely to heavily on CGI, and we get to see some beautiful old planes in action again.

The Sequel

We know a few things about the plot of the remake already.  A black, female pilot has taken on the mantle of “The Rocketeer”. It takes place six years after the events of the original, with Cliff Secord lost behind enemy lines. The new Rocketeer is on a mission to keep jetpack technology out of the hands of a corrupt scientist.

The title of the project offers up another clue; “The Rocketeers” makes me think we may be treated to at least two jetpack-strapped heroes flying around the screen. We may even get to see the original Rocketeer join his new female counterpart for a mission or two!

A Role for Blake

More from Clipperholics

• Grade the trade: Clippers shockingly land Trae Young in wild proposal
• 3 of the most overpaid players on the LA Clippers’ roster
• Trading for this player covers the Clippers’ biggest weakness
• How will the LA Clippers fare in the in-season tournament?
• Why the LA Clippers should steer clear of recent gold medalist waiver

The character of the Rocketeer was created by Dave Stevens. He had a lot of creative say in the original movie. Disney did remove some of the less child friendly elements, but the overall aesthetic stayed true to the comic and Stevens was pleased with the final result.

Disney executives also pushed for the addition of a few new characters. Blake Griffin is a talented actor, and with his name already attached to the remake it’s hard not to speculate about possible roles.

One character that was in both the original comic and movie jumps out at me as particularly perfect: Lothar.

Lothar is a henchman for Neville Sinclair, “The Rocketeers” main antagonist. Lothar is a giant of a man, towering over everyone else in the movie.

The intimidating figure was played by former NBA and ABA player, Tiny Ron Taylor. This is a part Blake Griffin would be great in. He has the size, and could use his great comedic timing to really flesh out the character. Lothar did seem to die at the end of “The Rocketeer”, but his death is never confirmed. And if anyone could survive an exploding zeppelin, it’s Lothar.

Next: The story of growing up in LA through time as a Clippers fan

Whether we get to see him on screen or just catch a glimpse of his name in the credits, I am extremely excited for Blake Griffin’s “The Rocketeers”.