Is Disney planning a reboot of 'The Rocketeer'?

The Rocketeer is one of those movies that a lot of people consider some sort of classic, yet have been clamoring for Disney to remake or reboot in some way. I vehemently disagree with all of those folks, and believe there's a very good reason why the film was a total dud back in 1991 when it released. It had a cool comic book premise, nostalgic visuals, and not much else.

Now rumors are surfacing that Disney's new chief, Alan Horn, is keen on rebooting The Rocketeer, although there are no details as to what he has in mind. Surely he recognizes that the core concept, that of a dude in a metal suit who flies around saving folks, bears a striking resemblance to Disney's Iron Man franchise? Care to cannibalize one to feed the other, sir?

The Rocketeer was based on Dave Stevens' comic book first published by Pacific Comics in 1982. Set in 1938, it followed good-natured stunt pilot, Cliff Secord(Billy Campbell), who discovered a prototype jet pack and used it to fight Nazis and stuff. Joe Johnston directed it, with Jennifer Connelly as his love interest. The film has gone on to become a cult favorite by many who appreciate the retro look and the patriotic themes, but honestly it's just not that good of a movie.

Writers will be met with soon to come up with an idea on how to approach The Rocketeer now, but to me this sounds like a bad idea. If, as Vulture suggests, Horn is just looking to make a big impression and not let Marvel and Pixar do all the hard work, then he may be setting a bad precedent. Consider this all a rumor for now, folks.