8 Iconic John Carter Scenes We Might Miss Without a Live-Action Remake

John Carter of Mars and the Barsoom series present a wealth of potential for cinematic exploration, remaining largely uncharted territory for contemporary audiences. Renowned author Edgar Rice Burroughs, also celebrated for creating the iconic character Tarzan, is the mastermind behind the Barsoom series. This collection chronicles the riveting adventures of human soldier John Carter and his companions on his imaginative version of Mars. Across the 11 books in the series, numerous exhilarating scenes await the visual storytelling they deserve on the silver screen.

To date, the only prominent cinematic effort to adapt Burroughs’ iconic works is Disney’s John Carter, which was met with significant challenges and ultimately became one of the most notorious box office disappointments. The film’s high production costs, combined with its unfavorable critical reception, resulted in a significant financial loss for Disney. Unfortunately, this failure has severely curtailed the prospects for translating the remarkable moments captured in Burroughs’ narratives into grand film adaptations, despite their vast potential.

8 The Titular Chess Match

The Chessmen of Mars

In a remarkable twist, The Chessmen of Mars stands out as one of the few works in the series where Burroughs titled an entire book around a singular electrifying event. This installment infuses bizarre yet imaginative concepts, including a race of modular symbiotic beings that combine to form humanoids, with crab-like entities adorning headless bodies. Rather than focusing solely on John Carter, this story shifts to his daughter, Tara of Helium, and her romantic interest, Gahan.

The climax presents Gahan participating in an audacious life-or-death chess match against the antagonist for Tara’s custody. Set in a sprawling arena, this is no typical chess game; it features living warriors as pieces, engaging in brutal combat for supremacy. This scene not only showcases Gahan’s cunning intellect but also acts as a catalyst for his people’s liberation from their Manatorian oppressors.

7 Vor Daj Gets Turned Into A Monster

The Synthetic Men of Mars

Burroughs exhibits a creative evolution through legacy characters long before Gahan took center stage. In The Synthetic Men of Mars, we follow Vor Daj, John Carter’s faithful companion, as he embarks on an adventure alongside John to confront the twisted scientist Ras Thavas, who has previously appeared in The Master-Mind of Mars. In a horrific turn of events, Ras Thavas transplants Vor Daj’s consciousness into a gruesome and monstrous body.

This transformation brings with it comical challenges in Vor Daj’s attempts to pursue his love interest, infusing Burroughs’ traditional romantic themes with fresh depth. Adapting this particular storyline into a film could offer fascinating elements to explore.

6 John Carter And A Legion Of Rats Fight A Giant Kaiju

John Carter of Mars

Despite being the concluding volume of the principal Barsoom saga, John Carter of Mars features astonishingly imaginative action sequences ripe for film adaptation. In one gripping episode, John Carter’s beloved, Dejah Thoris, is abducted yet again by the formidable villain Pew Mogel, who constructs a colossal kaiju-like beast.

This intimidating creature poses an unprecedented challenge, but the resourceful John orchestrates a unique solution, rallying a legion of Martian rats to parachute down and swarm the giant. The vivid imagery and unusual tactics employed in this scene hold vast potential for captivating cinematic moments.

5 The Reveal Of The Valley of Dor

Gods of Mars

Gods of Mars was considered for adaptation in Disney’s abandoned sequels to the original John Carter film, as it is viewed as one of the series’ strongest installments. This book highlights John Carter’s return to Mars, leading him to the legendary Valley of Dor—a place frequently referenced in earlier narratives, often idealized as a paradise awaited by residents at the end of their lives.

However, the revelation that the Valley of Dor is a terrifying realm filled with nightmarish creatures such as ferocious white apes and flesh-eating Martians provides a gripping twist. This shocking development would undoubtedly create a powerful moment for audiences in a film adaptation.

4 John Carter’s Triumphant Speech

The Warlord of Mars

The climactic finale of the original trilogy, The Warlord of Mars, is ripe for adaptation, showcasing Burroughs’ capacity for eloquent dialogue amid the high-stakes action. While the Barsoom series typically thrives on intense adventures and breathtaking alien landscapes, Burroughs occasionally captures profound moments through dialogue.

In this gripping installment, John Carter addresses the Martian populace, passionately advocating for unity among the various races of Barsoom. His heartfelt speech, emphasizing his desire to foster harmony, reflects his personal ties to the planet, stemming from his pursuit of love for Dejah Thoris.

3 Paxton Puts Together A Team

The Mastermind of Mars

As the series progressed, Burroughs expanded the Barsoom saga with new heroes, including the Earthling Captain Ulysses Paxton in The Mastermind of Mars. This tale introduces Ras Thavas as a formidable antagonist and showcases Paxton’s attempts to defy his employer’s sinister plots. His mission to restore Valla Dia’s original body adds a compelling twist to the narrative.

To achieve this, Paxton assembles a diverse team of outcasts, including a notorious assassin and a devout religious zealot, alongside an extraordinary white ape endowed with human-like intelligence due to a brain transplant. This eclectic crew rivals the richness of characters seen in popular films today, making it a prime candidate for adaptation in a dynamic cinematic environment.

2 Tan Falls In Love With Tavia

A Fighting Man of Mars

While romance is a recurring theme in Burroughs’ narratives, it often takes a formulaic approach. However, A Fighting Man of Mars offers a fresh romantic subplot worth adapting. The narrative follows the Martian Tan Hadron, who embarks on a quest to rescue a general’s daughter—only to find himself smitten by Tavia, a slave girl with whom he forms a bond during their journey.

This more nuanced approach to romance breathes life into the Barsoom series, making it a compelling story to bring to the screen, showcasing the evolution of love amidst adventure.

1 John Toys With A Villain Until He Can Escape

Llana of Gathol

In the context of a potential new film, adapting a collection of shorter stories may seem challenging, but Llana of Gathol contains standout sequences worthy of cinematic attention. Notably, the tale titled The Invisible Men of Mars presents one of the most extraordinary swordfights featuring John Carter.

Confronted with the villain Motus in an enemy city, John finds himself in a race against time, using an invisibility pill that offers him a fleeting escape. His exceptional swordsmanship allows him to prolong the duel, culminating in a thrilling climax as he vanquishes Motus the moment his invisibility takes effect. Such a masterfully penned sequence deserves a prominent place in any forthcoming John Carter adaptation.

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