Rocket Man Set to Blast Off

“The Rocketeer” is finally going to blast off--at Disney--with director Joe Johnston (“Honey, I Shrunk the Kids”) at the throttle.

Yet another character launched by the comics, The Rocketeer first shot into view in 1982. Created by writer-artist Dave Stevens, the yet-to-be-cast Rocketeer wears a helmet to hide his identity (he’s Cliff Secord, ruggedly handsome racing-plane pilot) and a rocket pack on his back to zoom after bad guys.

Based on the comics and a hardcover book, the script is set in 1938 L.A., involving Secord’s Hollywood model-girlfriend Betty, and his mechanic friend, Peevy--plus a heroic Howard Hughes at age 33.

Casting is under way, with production to begin in late July. Lawrence Gordon, Charles Gordon and Lloyd Levin will produce from a script by Danny Bilson & Paul De Meo.

Possible release date: summer, 1991.