The 2012 science fiction epic remains one of the most fascinating "what-ifs" in Hollywood history. Based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ seminal novel A Princess of Mars , the film was intended to launch a massive franchise for Disney. While its domestic box office performance was famously rocky, the film found a massive second life in international markets—particularly in India, where the John Carter 2012 Hindi dubbed version became a staple for action and fantasy fans.