As we reported, based on tracking numbers from Deadline, audiences aren’t exactly salivating for the release of ‘John Carter‘, Disney’s $250 million action film, which the studio and the movie’s director, Andrew Stanton, had hoped would be the first part of a trilogy, if not a longer series.  (Read more about that, here.)  But the tracking numbers revealed that of those asked, 53% were “Aware” of the film, with only 27% “Definitely Interested” in it.  No reason is provided as to why this movie is trending so softly.  Is it because it recalls ‘Avatar?’  Is the ‘John Carter’ property too obscure?  Or is the simple name ‘John Carter’ too nondescript and generic?  (Disney reportedly dropped ‘of Mars’ after the kids movie ‘Mars Needs Moms’ flopped.)  To be honest, my initial reaction is that it looked too much like ‘Prince of Persia’ another recent Disney flop.

Disney now seems desperate to turn audience opinion around by giving out free posters at IMAX screenings of the movie, and now, perhaps in an attempt to curry additional fan favor, Disney has released an extended clip of the film, showcasing the movie’s star Taylor Kitsch in the title role, alongside Martian ally Tars Tarkas (voiced by Willem Dafoe) in a gladiator arena-style cavern, surrounded by chanting green aliens who clearly want a good show.  Tars is injured and John is chained.  Then the Martians release the “White Apes,” multiple armed behemoths intended to make short work of the two beings in the ring. You can watch the video below, followed by a montage of additional footage.

‘John Carter’ – “White Apes” Movie Trailer:

Well, I don’t know about you, but as often as I’ve seen gladiator sequences like this, even others involving aliens (Rancor Monster, anyone?), this one was still pretty impressive.  A la Superman, John Carter is much stronger on Mars (or Barsoom as the natives call it) and can leap higher, thanks to their lesser gravity.  I liked his leaping abilities and thought the entire sequence was well shot!  The fight choreography was clear and easy to comprehend.  The CGI aliens look great.  So maybe now that people can see more than just the random, chopped-together clips in trailer form, some will become more excited!  I know I am!  What did you guys think?

‘John Carter’ stars Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins and Willem Dafoe, Mark Strong, Bryan Cranston, James Purefoy, Dominic West, Thomas Haden Church and Ciarán Hinds and is set to hit theatres on March 9!