John Carter (2025) is a visually ambitious sci-fi adventure film directed by Andrew Stanton, adapted from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic novel A Princess of Mars. The story follows John Carter, a disillusioned Civil War veteran who is mysteriously transported to the planet Barsoom (Mars). There, he discovers that the planet is inhabited by various alien species and torn by warfare and political struggle. Due to the planet’s low gravity, Carter gains superhuman strength and agility, making him a formidable warrior in this new world.

As Carter becomes involved in the planet’s civil war, he meets Dejah Thoris, a princess from the city of Helium, who is fighting to save her people from destruction. Carter, initially reluctant, gradually finds himself drawn into the conflict and inspired to fight for something greater than himself. His bond with Dejah and the Martian people reignites his sense of purpose, transforming him from a wanderer into a hero.

The film explores themes of redemption, identity, and destiny, as Carter transitions from a man haunted by his past to a savior in a strange, beautiful world. His journey mirrors the timeless hero’s arc — an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances, discovering both love and strength in an alien land. Along the way, he faces monstrous creatures, ancient powers, and moral dilemmas that test his courage and convictions.

Though John Carter received mixed critical reviews and struggled commercially, it has since developed a passionate fanbase. Viewers praise its epic scale, imaginative world-building, and faithful tribute to the early sci-fi adventure stories that inspired generations. Despite its flaws, the film remains a bold cinematic attempt to bring a foundational sci-fi saga to life, rich in mythology and emotion.