It’s been reported that Disney is planning a new remake of the 80s kids flick, Flight Of The Navigator. In some ways it’s a bit of a surprise, as the original 1986 flick was a bit of a flop at the cinema, grossing only $17 million. However VHS came to its rescue, and it became a cult classic and has since had great longevity through re-releases and TV screenings.
The original movie tells the story of a 12-year-rold boy who goes missing in 1978, when he’s taken off and becomes navigator of a futurisitc alien spaceship. When he returns to Earth, little time has passed for him, but to everyone else it’s six years later and he’s been considered missing all that time. You can kind of see why the premise didn’t set the box office on fire, as the premise can be a little scary for young kids. However that isn’t going to stop Disney having another pop at it.
The original’s exectuive producer, John Hyde, is back on board for the remake, with David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman also on producing duties. The script is being written by Brad Copeland, who was also behind the John Travolta flick, Wild Hogs.