Are There Any Movie Adaptations Of 'A Princess Of Mars'?

The classic sci-fi novel 'A Princess of Mars' by Edgar Rice Burroughs has indeed been adapted into film, though not as frequently as you might expect for such an iconic story. The most well-known adaptation is Disney's 'John Carter' (2012), which brought the adventures of John Carter to the big screen with stunning visuals and a blockbuster budget. The movie captures the essence of Barsoom (Mars) with its sprawling deserts, exotic creatures, and epic battles. While it deviates slightly from the book, the core themes of adventure, love, and heroism remain intact.

Another earlier attempt was 'Princess of Mars' (2009), a low-budget TV movie that stayed closer to the source material but lacked the polish of a major studio production. Fans of the book might appreciate its faithfulness, though the effects and acting are noticeably rough around the edges. There have also been talks over the years about other adaptations, including animated versions or series, but nothing concrete has materialized yet. Given the recent trends in revisiting classic pulp stories, I wouldn't be surprised if we see another take on Carter's journey soon.

As a longtime fan of Burroughs' work, I’ve followed the adaptations closely. 'A Princess of Mars' inspired Disney’s 'John Carter', a visually ambitious but commercially misunderstood film. It bombed at the box office despite its rich world-building—Tharks, flying ships, and Dejah Thoris were all beautifully realized. The 2009 TV movie, while cheaper, had charm in its earnestness. It’s fascinating how this 1912 novel keeps getting rediscovered; its influence echoes in everything from 'Star Wars' to 'Avatar'. Hollywood hasn’t done it full justice yet, but the potential for a gritty reboot or a high-budget series is huge.

The legacy of 'A Princess of Mars' in film is a tale of missed opportunities. Disney’s 'John Carter' had everything—stellar effects, a passionate director, and a beloved source—yet failed to connect. The 2009 adaptation, though niche, proves the story’s resilience. What fascinates me is how both films highlight different aspects: one prioritizes spectacle, the other loyalty to the text. Future adaptations could blend these approaches, maybe as a serialized streaming epic. Mars deserves another shot.

Two adaptations exist: the flashy 'John Carter' (2012) and the barebones 'Princess of Mars' (2009). Disney’s version is grand but rushed; the TV movie is truer to the book’s pulp roots. Neither nailed it perfectly. Given today’s tech, a new take could finally do justice to Burroughs’ vision—imagine Barsoom with 'Dune'-level detail. Until then, the books remain the best way to experience Carter’s adventures.

Yes! Disney’s 'John Carter' is the big one—it’s based on 'A Princess of Mars' and stars Taylor Kitsch as the Civil War veteran transported to Mars. The film’s a mixed bag; the action and world are great, but the pacing drags. There’s also a 2009 TV version with Antonio Sabato Jr., but it’s pretty forgettable. The book’s wild imagination hasn’t fully translated to screen yet, but fans keep hoping.