D23 Announces ‘Rocketeer’ Anniversary Event Talent Line-up

In 1991 when The Rocketeer hit theaters, actor Bill Campbell effortlessly won fans over with his sincere portrayal of the heroic Cliff Secord. In honor of the 20th anniversary of this Disney film favorite, Campbell will participate in a panel discussion hosted by writer/producer/director — and self-proclaimed Rocketeer fan — Kevin Smith. The panel will occur immediately before an exclusive screening of the film on June 21, 2011 at the legendary El Capitan Theatre, where the film premiered two decades ago, transporting audiences to a golden age of thrills, glamour and, of course, sleek jet packs. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club have an opportunity to secure tickets for themselves before seats are sold to the general public. In addition to the rocket man himself, the panel will also feature Academy Award®-winning makeup artist Rick Baker (whose other work for Disney includes Enchanted and Captain EO) the two screenwriters responsible for the acclaimed film, Danny Bilson (GoldenEye: Rogue Agent) and Paul De Meo (James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing), and as a special treat, renowned illustrator William Stout (Pan’s Labyrinth, The Muppet Wizard of Oz) will be on hand, representing his friend Dave Stevens, creator of The Rocketeer comics.* Other talent will be announced in the coming weeks.

Following the movie, guests are invited to tour the Hollywood Museum — located in the nearby historic Max Factor building — and explore the museum’s four floors of exhibits as well as a special exhibition of props and costumes from The Rocketeer, curated exclusively for this event by the Walt Disney Archives.

The Rocketeer follows the adventures of stunt pilot Cliff Secord (Billy Campbell) who discovers a stolen rocket pack and sets off on a series of heroic (and sometimes hilarious) adventures that attract the attention of Howard Hughes, the FBI, gangsters, a band of Nazis and one aspiring actress, namely Cliff’s girlfriend Jenny (Oscar® winner Jennifer Connolly). Directed by Joe Johnston, the film also stars Terry O’Quinn, Alan Arkin, Timothy Dalton and Paul Sorvino.

Tickets are currently available for D23 Members who have the advantage of being able to reserve their own seats. The general public will be able to purchase remaining General Admission tickets on May 23. Event ticket cost is $50 per person.

D23 Members and their guests will receive a special commemorative Rocketeer gift. All attendees are invited to attend the special Rocketeer exhibit following the film, where there will also be exclusive, limited-edition Rocketeer collectibles available for purchase from D23 and event co-sponsor, Creature Features.

Event check-in begins at 6:45 p.m. at the El Capitan Theatre, 6838 Hollywood Blvd; panel and screening begins at 7:30 p.m. The Walt Disney Archives exhibit will follow the screening from 9:45 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Hollywood Museum located at 1660 N. Highland Ave.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the event page.