Jupiter Ascending (2015) & John Carter (2012): Star-Crossed Lovers | EP20

The 21st century has seen several attempts to revive the grand spectacle of space opera cinema with large-scale visual effects, expansive alien worlds and galaxy-spanning conflicts. Yet not every ambitious sci-fi epic becomes a success.

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore two visually spectacular but controversial modern space-opera films: John Carter (2012) and Jupiter Ascending (2015).

Both films attempted to launch new science-fiction franchises with enormous budgets and ambitious world-building, but each struggled to find an audience on release.

Despite their mixed reception, these films remain fascinating examples of modern attempts to create original cinematic space-opera universes.

This week, we look at the theme of interplanetary love in two more Space Opera adventures - Andrew Stanton's John Carter (2012) and Lily and Lana Wachowski's Jupiter Ascending (2015).

Join us as we discuss the super jumping barbarian and ex-Confederate soldier, John Carter and the unassuming toilet cleaner with the genetic makeup of a long-dead Queen, Jupiter Jones. 

Discussion Points from the Episode

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore:

• how John Carter attempted to adapt one of the earliest space-adventure novels

• the marketing and production challenges that affected the film’s reception

• the ambitious world-building behind Jupiter Ascending

• why large-scale original sci-fi films often struggle at the box office

John Carter (2012)

Director: Andrew Stanton

Writers: Andrew Stanton, Mark Andrews & Michael Chabon

Based on: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe, Mark Strong

Release Year: 2012

John Carter is a science-fiction adventure based on the classic Barsoom novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, first published in 1912. The story follows Civil War veteran John Carter, who is mysteriously transported to Mars, where he becomes involved in a conflict between rival Martian civilizations.

On the planet Barsoom, Carter discovers that the lower gravity gives him extraordinary strength and agility. He soon becomes embroiled in a war between powerful Martian factions while forming an alliance with the princess Dejah Thoris.

Produced by Disney with an enormous budget estimated at over $263 million, the film ultimately grossed around $284 million worldwide but still resulted in major financial losses for the studio.

Because of its disappointing performance, Disney cancelled plans for a trilogy based on the novels.

Jupiter Ascending (2015)

Directors: Lana Wachowski & Lilly Wachowski

Writers: Lana Wachowski & Lilly Wachowski

Starring: Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne, Sean Bean

Release Year: 2015

Jupiter Ascending is a space-opera adventure written and directed by the Wachowskis, best known for creating The Matrix. The film follows Jupiter Jones, a young woman who discovers that she possesses a rare genetic identity that makes her the rightful heir to a powerful interstellar dynasty.

After learning about her extraordinary heritage, Jupiter becomes caught in a cosmic power struggle involving powerful alien families who secretly control planets across the galaxy.

The film attempted to create a vast and elaborate science-fiction universe filled with exotic planets, strange alien species and interstellar politics.

However, despite its spectacular visuals, the film struggled commercially. It grossed about $184 million worldwide against a production budget of roughly $176–210 million, making it a financial disappointment for Warner Bros.

Ambition and Risk in Modern Space Opera

Both John Carter and Jupiter Ascending highlight the enormous creative and financial risks involved in producing large-scale science-fiction epics.

These films attempted to create entirely new cinematic universes with complex lore, alien civilizations and expansive galactic settings. Yet in an era dominated by established franchises, original sci-fi blockbusters can struggle to find the same audience.

Even so, these ambitious projects remain fascinating examples of modern attempts to expand the boundaries of space-opera storytelling.

Listen to the Episode

Listen to Space Opera E20: John Carter (2012) & Jupiter Ascending (2015) wherever you get your podcasts.

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Or explore the full Journey Through Sci-Fi Space Opera series to discover how cosmic adventure has evolved across the history of science-fiction cinema.