Hubbry Logo
CondormanCondormanMain
Open search
Condorman
Community hub
Condorman
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Condorman
Condorman
Condorman
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Condorman
Theatrical release poster
Directed byCharles Jarrott
Screenplay byMarc Stirdivant
Based onThe Game of X
by Robert Sheckley[1]
Produced byJan Williams
Starring
CinematographyCharles F. Wheeler
Edited byGordon D. Brenner
Music byHenry Mancini
Production
company
Distributed byBuena Vista Distribution
Release dates
  • July 2, 1981 (1981-07-02) (London)
  • August 7, 1981 (1981-08-07) (United States)
Running time
90 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$14 million

Condorman is a 1981 American superhero comedy film directed by Charles Jarrott, produced by Walt Disney Productions, and starring Michael Crawford, Barbara Carrera and Oliver Reed. The film follows comic book illustrator Woodrow Wilkins's attempts to assist in the defection of a female Soviet KGB agent.

Plot

[edit]

Woodrow "Woody" Wilkins is an imaginative, yet eccentric, comic book writer and illustrator who demands a sense of realism for his comic book hero "Condorman", to the point where he crafts a Condorman flying suit of his own and launches himself off the Eiffel Tower. The test flight fails as his right wing breaks, sending him crashing into the Seine River.

After the incident, Woody is asked by his friend, CIA file clerk Harry, to perform what appears to be a civilian paper swap in Istanbul. Upon arriving in Istanbul, he meets a beautiful Soviet woman named Natalia Rambova, who poses as the Soviet civilian with whom the exchange is supposed to take place, but it is later revealed that she is in fact a KGB spy. Woody does not tell Natalia his real name, and instead fabricates his identity to her as a top American agent code-named "Condorman". During the encounter, Woody fends off a group of would-be assassins and saves her life by sheer luck before accomplishing the paper trade. Impressed by Woody, and disgusted by how she was treated by her lover/boss Krokov when she returns to Moscow, Natalia decides to defect and asks the CIA to have "Condorman" be the agent that helps her.

Back in Paris, Woody's encounter with Natalia inspires him to create a superheroine patterned after her named "Laser Lady". He is then notified by Harry and his boss Russ that he is to escort a defecting Soviet agent known as "The Bear". Woody refuses to do the job, but when Russ reveals that "The Bear" is Natalia, he agrees to do it on the condition that the CIA provides him with gadgetry based on his designs. However, Woody publishes details of the extraction operation as part of his latest Condorman story, allowing Krokov to track his movements once he discovers Woody's identity.

Woody meets up with Natalia in Yugoslavia and protects her from Krokov's henchmen led by the homicidal, glass-eyed assassin Morovich. After joining Harry in Italy, the trio ventures to Switzerland, where Natalia discovers the truth about Woody when a group of children recognize her from his comic books. Their journey back to France is compromised when Morovich puts Woody and Harry out of commission and Krokov's men recover Natalia before retreating to their headquarters in Monte Carlo. Woody is told that the mission is a failure and he and Harry are ordered to return to Paris, but Woody asks Harry for two more days to conduct an operation to rescue Natalia.

Disguising themselves as Arab sheikhs, Woody and Harry win big at the Monte Carlo Casino, impressing Krokov and receiving an invite to a party at his villa. At the villa, Woody and Harry create an explosive diversion to recover Natalia from Krokov and his men. As Harry drives away in a Rolls-Royce, Woody uses an improved version of his Condorman suit to fly himself and Natalia away from the villa and onto the pier, where the trio make their getaway aboard the Condorboat. They manage to destroy Krokov's speedboats following them, but Krokov and Morovich pursue them in their own speedboat. The Condorboat reaches its pickup point, but Morovich shows his intent on ramming it. When Morovich ignores his commander's orders to return to base, Krokov abandons the ship. The Condorboat is lifted by the CIA helicopter in time to prevent a collision, causing Morovich to crash on an island rock.

Days later, Woody, Natalia and Harry are at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, where they see the Goodyear Blimp flash a sign welcoming Natalia to the U.S. Aboard the blimp, Russ contacts Harry and has him ask Woody if he is interested in taking Condorman to another assignment.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

Condorman was inspired by The Game of X by Robert Sheckley, a novel published in 1965. The Chicago Tribune called it "genuinely funny and suspenseful."[2] The New York Times said it was "often very funny".[3][1] The Los Angeles Times called it "riotous".[4]

The film was slightly more racy than Disney normally produced. Then-president Ron Miller said the Barbara Carrera character was "the sexiest in Disney's history".[5]

The Condormobile was a modified Nova Sterling kit car.[6]

Filming

[edit]

Condorman was filmed in Paris, Monte Carlo and Zermatt, Switzerland. Rémy Julienne, a renowned French stunt driver whose previous work included The Italian Job and several James Bond films among more than a hundred others, coordinated the film's car chases and stunts. Julienne, who mostly worked in French productions, kept a high standard for the film's set pieces involving cars, stating that "You recognize a good [car chase] because it is fresh and surprising. A bad one reminds you of a hundred you have seen before."

The film's special effects were directed by Colin Chilvers, who previously worked on the first two Superman films starring Christopher Reeve. The effects were filmed at the location also used by Chilvers for the Superman films: Pinewood Studios. Using the same facilities meant efficiency for Chilvers to create the effects he desired, reusing the equipment from Superman and adapting it for Condorman. A problem Chilvers encountered was being unable to fit the mold used by Reeve for Michael Crawford, requiring him to make a new set of molds for Crawford. He also enforced a strict gag rule among his 12-man crew to never disclose the methods used to create the effects after the film's release, asking "[w]hy do audiences need to know how each effect is done? It lessens their enjoyment of the movie."[7]

Release

[edit]

The film opened at the Odeon Marble Arch in London on July 2, 1981.[8] With a production cost of approximately $14 million, the film performed poorly at the box office, and Disney reportedly lost $9.5 million on the picture.[9][10] The disappointing financial returns from Condorman, along with three other flop films, contributed to Disney's poor financial performance in 1981.[11]

Reception

[edit]

The film was heavily panned by critics when it premiered in 1981. It has an approval rating of 27% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 15 reviews, with an average of 4.4/10.[12] The Los Angeles Times called it "dull" and "dispiriting."[13] On their television show At the Movies, critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert both gave the film a negative rating, stating that it had some nice elements but mainly pointing out the low production standards such as visible harness cable used for Condorman's flying sequences and obvious special effects; both critics said that it felt like Disney was once again a few years behind the times of what anyone wanted or expected to see from their genre efforts. On the other hand, John Corry of The New York Times wrote a favorable review of the film, calling it "painless and chaste, and it has a lot of beautiful scenery and beautiful clothes. There are worse things to watch while you eat popcorn."[14]

However, despite the film's failures, it has gained a cult following among Disney fans.[15][16][17]

Media

[edit]

Home media

[edit]

Condorman was first released on home video in January 1982, on VHS and Betamax.[18] It was re-released on VHS and made its Region 1 DVD debut on May 18, 1999, when it was released by Anchor Bay Entertainment.[19] A Region 2 version was released on August 21, 2006.[20] The film was re-released in Region 1 exclusively for members of the Disney Movie Club on May 1, 2009.[21]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The film's complete musical score composed by Henry Mancini was released on CD by Intrada Records on November 13, 2012.[22] The album contained twenty tracks from the film and eight bonus tracks totaling just over 60 minutes, and was designated as Intrada Special Collection Volume 219. It was part of a special collaboration with The Walt Disney Company resulting in the release of several rare Disney scores on CD.

Novelization

[edit]

Joe Claro wrote the novelization of the film, which was published by Scholastic Corporation for 350,000 copies in 1981 .[23]

Comic book adaptation/sequel

[edit]

A comic book adaptation of Condorman was published by Whitman Comics at the time of the film's release.[24] A notable change in the illustrations was that Russ, the CIA boss, became an African-American. An original comic adventure sequel was also published in the third and last issue, taking place in the US. Woody is engaged to Natalia, and his Condorman machines are being built by a toy company — a cover for a CIA unit. Krokov and Morovich again appear, attempting to take Natalia back to the USSR by force.

The film was also adapted into a weekly comic strip for Disney's Treasury of Classic Tales by Russ Heath.[25]

Following Disney's acquisition of Marvel Comics in 2009, The Amazing Spider-Man editor Stephen Wacker lobbied to have Condorman brought into the Marvel Universe.[26]

Video games

[edit]

Condorman's wings can be summoned in Disney Infinity 1.0, Disney Infinity 2.0 and Disney Infinity 3.0 via a power disc. The wings give the player the ability to glide through the air.[27]

Pop culture references

[edit]

In the Pixar short film Toy Story Toons: Small Fry, a Condorman toy (voiced by Bob Bergen) appears at a support group meeting for discarded kids' meal toys.[28]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Condorman

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Condorman is a American superhero comedy film directed by and produced by Productions. The story follows Woody Wilkins (Michael Crawford), a reclusive artist whose creation, the caped crusader , inspires him to use inventive gadgets and assume the to assist a defecting agent, Natalia (), in evading her pursuers across . Inspired by Robert Sheckley's novel The Game of X, the film blends humor, thrills, and high-stakes action sequences filmed in locations including , , , , and . The supporting cast includes as the menacing KGB operative Krokov, James Hampton as Wilkins' CIA contact Harry, and as agent Russ, with supervised by Colin Chilvers to bring the film's gadget-filled stunts to life. Running 90 minutes and rated PG, Condorman premiered in the on July 2, 1981, followed by a U.S. release on August 7, 1981. It features dynamic vehicle chases using Porsches and Sterling racers, alongside aerial and explosive set pieces, marking one of Disney's early forays into live-action adventure. Critically, the film received mixed reviews, earning a 27% approval rating from critics on based on 15 reviews, who noted its uneven pacing and low-budget feel despite Crawford's enthusiastic performance, while audiences have given it a more favorable 65% score from over 5,000 ratings. Originally titled The Condor Man during development, Condorman was released on in 1981 and later became available for streaming, positioning it as a favorite among Disney's lesser-known output for its quirky charm and nostalgic appeal.

Synopsis

Plot

Woodrow "Woody" Wilkins is a shy and imaginative comic book artist in Paris who creates the superhero Condorman, complete with elaborate gadgets and a winged suit for flight. Eager to bring his creation to life, Woody tests the condor suit by leaping from the Eiffel Tower, only to crash spectacularly into the Seine River below. His adventure takes a turn when his friend Harry Oslo, a CIA agent, recruits him for a covert operation, asking Woody to pose as "Condorman" while delivering secret documents in Istanbul. In Istanbul, Woody meets Natalia Rambova, a beautiful Soviet KGB agent posing as a civilian, during the exchange. When assassins attempt to kill her, Woody uses improvised gadgets to save her life, solidifying his persona as the real Condorman in her eyes. Impressed by his heroism, Natalia decides to defect to the West but insists that only Condorman can extract her safely from her handlers. Reluctantly agreeing with CIA backing, Woody accesses resources to fabricate his comic-inspired inventions, including laser devices and specialized vehicles, embarking on a high-stakes mission filled with comedic mishaps and narrow escapes. The unfolds across with a series of action-packed sequences. In , Woody and Natalia evade KGB pursuers led by the ruthless agent Krokov in an exploding through winding streets, seeking refuge in a remote monastery hideout where they deepen their budding romance amid tense stakeouts. As Krokov closes in, the pair flees through and to , where Woody deploys the condor suit for daring rescues and gadgets to outmaneuver enemies during a chaotic infiltration. Their relationship blossoms as Natalia sees beyond Woody's awkwardness to his genuine courage, though she grapples with the dangers her defection poses to him. The climax features a thrilling boat chase as Woody and Natalia escape in a high-tech Condor, destroying pursuing speedboats while dodging gunfire from Krokov and his Morovich. Krokov jumps overboard to save himself as Morovich's boat crashes into a cliff, allowing the duo to reach a pick-up point and be airlifted to safety in , where Woody fully embraces his heroic identity. The film resolves with Woody and Natalia committing to a together, their improbable partnership turning fantasy into reality.

Cast

The principal cast of Condorman features in the of Woodrow "Woody" Wilkins and his creation, Condorman, portraying a timid, inventive artist who reluctantly becomes a real-life hero relying on gadgetry inspired by his drawings. plays Natalia Rambova, a glamorous agent defecting to the West, who forms an alliance and romantic connection with Woody, adding layers of intrigue and allure to the ensemble. Oliver Reed portrays Krokov, the sadistic and relentless Soviet agent tasked with recapturing Natalia, serving as the primary antagonist whose menacing presence heightens the film's tension against the protagonists' comedic escapades. James Hampton appears as Harry , Woody's loyal CIA operative friend who offers technical expertise and humorous support, contributing to the buddy dynamic that balances action with levity. In supporting roles, Jean-Pierre Kalfon plays Morovich, the enigmatic abbot at a remote who aids the heroes in their evasion, while portrays Russ Devlin, the no-nonsense CIA superior coordinating the operation from afar. The ensemble dynamics emphasize Woody's archetype as a nerdish evolving into , complemented by Natalia's sophisticated poise, Krokov's villainous intensity, and Harry's bumbling reliability, creating a blend of spy thriller tropes and lighthearted .

Production

Development

Condorman originated from Walt Disney Productions' adaptation of Robert Sheckley's 1965 novel The Game of X, a satirical tale in which an unemployed writer is recruited by intelligence agencies to impersonate various secret agents across . The studio's version substantially altered the source material, shifting the narrative to focus on superhero elements, with the —a comic artist—embodying his own creation to assist a Soviet defector. The project developed in the late 1970s as aimed to tap into the burgeoning superhero parody trend sparked by the success of (1978), blending it with the enduring appeal of spy comedies. Marc Stirdivant was tasked with reworking the novel into a script that fused thriller elements with broad humor, prominently featuring high-tech gadgets reminiscent of the series to appeal to family audiences. Charles Jarrott, an established director of lavish historical dramas including (1969) and (1971), was chosen to direct, applying his expertise in period spectacles to this more whimsical, gadget-driven adventure. Pre-production estimates set the budget at approximately $14 million, reflecting Disney's investment in elaborate action sequences and visual effects. The character's conceptualization emphasized Condorman as a resourceful, invention-reliant hero inspired by the lead's comic book designs, prioritizing comedic set pieces over the novel's introspective tone. Casting announcements in 1980 highlighted Michael Crawford in the central role of Woodrow "Woody" Wilkins, transitioning the stage performer—known for roles like Frank Spencer in the BBC series Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em—to a Hollywood lead.

Filming

Principal photography for Condorman took place in 1980, with production reported as ongoing by August of that year. Interiors were primarily shot at in , while exterior scenes were filmed on location in Paris, France—including the Seine River and —, , and , . Various locations doubled for and to depict exotic settings for the film's chase sequences. The film's action sequences relied heavily on practical effects crafted by Disney's team, led by Academy Award-winning supervisor Colin Chilvers, who had previously worked on (1978). Gadgets such as the Condorman wingsuit, laser weapons, and the souped-up spy car—equipped with flamethrowers, rockets, and other devices—were built using mechanical and pyrotechnic techniques, with minimal reliance on emerging due to the era's technological limitations. Flying sequences, including aerial shots over , employed wire rigs and matte paintings to simulate the hero's condor-like glides, though visible wires occasionally appeared in the final cut. Filming presented several challenges, particularly in synchronizing stunts with the cast's varying physical demands. Lead actor , lacking prior action experience, nearly drowned during a scene in the when a current pulled him underwater for 5-10 feet; he was rescued by lifeguards, and a stunt double was subsequently used for the sequence. Co-star , known for his intense persona, added unpredictability—once throwing his character's tuxedo into the from a Monte Carlo hotel balcony after a night of drinking, requiring the production manager to retrieve it by rowboat. These incidents contributed to multiple takes for comedic timing in action beats, testing director Charles Jarrott's patience. Safety protocols were heightened for the defection climax's in European locales. Post-production occurred at Disney studios, where editors paced the 90-minute runtime to balance comedy and action, ensuring seamless integration of Henry Mancini's score cues with the practical effects footage. The process emphasized polishing the gadget sequences for visual coherence without extensive reshoots, though the film's $14 million budget strained resources amid location logistics.

Release and Reception

Release

Condorman premiered in the on July 2, 1981, at the Odeon Marble Arch in , before receiving a in the United States on August 7, 1981, distributed by Buena Vista Distribution. The film rolled out internationally across starting in late summer 1981, with releases in countries including on August 1, West Germany on September 4, and on September 18, followed by markets in such as in February 1982. The marketing campaign positioned the film as a lighthearted , with trailers emphasizing the protagonist's array of gadgets, high-stakes chases, and -inspired action to appeal to fans of spy thrillers and adventure tales. Promotional materials included one-sheet posters illustrated by artist Larry Salk, featuring dynamic artwork of the lead characters in flight suits amid explosive backdrops. Tie-ins extended to Disney's comic legacy through a promotional adaptation published by Whitman Comics, which retold the story in serialized form. Rated PG by the MPAA for mild violence and language, Condorman was marketed toward family audiences, particularly those interested in comic books and narratives. Promotional efforts included merchandise launches such as a by Joe Claro, released concurrently with the theatrical debut to capitalize on the film's adventurous theme. Due to its modest initial performance, distribution was delayed until January 1982 on and formats.

Box Office

Condorman had a production budget of approximately $14 million but performed poorly at the , grossing around $2.5 million domestically. The poor performance led to $9.5 million, contributing to the studio's challenges that year. Internationally, performance was weak in most markets, contributing to the film's status as a flop for . Factors including poor timing in the wake of prominent films and mixed word-of-mouth resulted in a short theatrical run of just 8 weeks. In comparison to Disney's 1981 slate, Condorman significantly underperformed relative to , which achieved substantial commercial success with over $43 million in domestic grosses.

Critical Response

Upon its release in 1981, Condorman received mixed to negative reviews from critics, earning a 27% approval rating on based on 15 reviews, with an average score of 4.4/10. The described the film as "dull" and "dispiriting," criticizing its lack of energy and originality. Similarly, and included Condorman on their lists of the ten worst films of 1981 during an episode of At the Movies. The found it "painless and chaste" with appealing scenery in locations like Monte Carlo and the , but faulted its flimsy plot and tendency to let viewer attention wander. Critics praised Michael Crawford's earnest and geeky performance as Woody Wilkins, noting how he effectively captured the enthusiasm of a comic-book creator thrust into real adventure. The film's inventive action sequences, featuring gadgets like a and a winged flying suit, were highlighted as highlights amid the spy thrills. However, much of the humor was derided as juvenile, relying on and broad gags that felt underdeveloped. Dated spy tropes, reminiscent of films but executed with less polish, contributed to perceptions of the movie as hackneyed and heavy-handed. Common critiques focused on pacing issues, particularly in the second act, where the narrative dragged despite the exotic European settings. The cast, including as the villainous Krokov, was seen as underutilized, with supporting roles failing to add depth or menace. Despite these flaws, reviewers acknowledged the film's adventure vibe, positioning it as lighthearted suitable for younger audiences. In retrospective views from the , Condorman has gained status as a favorite for its nostalgic cheese and campy charm, appealing to fans of retro spoofs. User ratings reflect this shift, with an average of 5.7/10 on from over 5,700 votes. Blogs and online discussions often celebrate its replay value and pure , though the original criticisms of uneven persist.

Media and Legacy

Soundtrack

The original score for Condorman was composed, conducted, and arranged by , marking his first scoring assignment for Productions. The music blends bold orchestral spy themes with whimsical brass accents to emphasize the film's comedic elements and adventurous tone. Recording sessions took place at Studios in , on January 29 and March 16–18, 1981. Mancini tailored cues during to sync with key action set pieces, including the film's elaborate and gadget-driven stunts. Among the score's highlights are the "Condorman Main Title," a rousing heroic fanfare that establishes the protagonist's alter ego; "The Chase," an energetic underscore for pursuit sequences; and the tender "Love Theme," which supports the central romantic subplot. The composition draws from Mancini's signature style in the Pink Panther series, integrating jazzy orchestration, playful rhythms, and subtle electronic synthesizers to evoke the story's high-tech spy gadgets. No commercial soundtrack album was issued at the time of the film's release, but the complete score received its world premiere on CD via Intrada Records in November 2012 as a limited edition of 2,000 copies, containing 20 tracks from the film plus 8 alternates for a total runtime of 59 minutes and 41 seconds. A digital reissue followed in June 2021 from , expanding to 28 tracks and approximately 61 minutes.

Novelization

The novelization of the 1981 Disney film Condorman was written by Joe Claro and published by Scholastic Book Services as a 126-page mass market paperback. The book closely adapts Marc Stirdivant's screenplay, incorporating still images from the movie to enhance its visual appeal for young readers. With an initial print run of 350,000 copies, it served as a promotional tie-in to capitalize on the film's family-oriented adventure, targeting audiences aged approximately 10-14 through Scholastic's educational distribution channels. Unlike Robert Sheckley's original 1965 novel The Game of X, which centers on a involving persona-swapping and identity assumption, the reflects the film's significant alterations by emphasizing gadget-based heroism drawn from the protagonist Woody Wilkins's imagination. Chapters mirror the film's plot structure across its European escapades but streamline action elements, such as condensing car and boat chases into briefer descriptions to suit prose format, while adding internal perspectives that highlight Woody's whimsical, unserious mindset. This results in a more competent portrayal of Woody compared to his bumbling on-screen counterpart, though it omits some of the film's lively visual humor and dynamic performances, like those in the chase sequences. The paperback went out of print in the late 1980s and is now primarily available through used book markets, with cover art replicating the film's theatrical poster featuring Michael Crawford in the title role.

Comic Book Adaptations

The comic book adaptation of Condorman was published as a three-issue limited series by Western Publishing under the Whitman Comics imprint, with issues released between November 1981 and February 1982. The series, priced at $0.50 per issue, faithfully adapted the 1981 Disney film in its first two installments while introducing an original sequel storyline in the third. Each 36-page issue featured full-color artwork emphasizing dynamic action sequences, vibrant hues, and splash panels highlighting the film's signature gadgets and spy thrills, styled to evoke the in-universe comic books created by protagonist Woody Wilkins. Issue #1, titled "Condorman (Part 1)," introduced Woody Wilkins as the titular hero, alongside supporting characters Harry Oslo, Russ Devlin (depicted as African-American, differing from the film's Caucasian portrayal), Natalya Rambova, and villain Sergei Krokov; penciled and inked by Frank Bolle, it covered the story's origin and initial defection plot points directly from the movie. Issue #2, "Part 2: Conclusion," continued and resolved the adaptation with Bolle again handling pencils and inks, focusing on the escape sequences and climax involving Krokov's pursuit. These early issues stayed close to the film's narrative, incorporating photo covers of stars and to tie into the live-action source material. The series concluded with issue #3, an original sequel scripted by George Kashdan and illustrated by Bolle, where the dispatches a new agent, the seductive villainess known as the Minx (Zilka), to infiltrate J. Fraxley Fribble's toy company—Condorman's gadget supplier—and kidnap Natalya back to , introducing additional antagonists like Morovich. This extension built on the film's characters and lore, extending the adventures beyond the movie's events with fresh conflicts. No additional official tie-ins followed the series, though the issues remain sought after by collectors for their rarity and connection to the obscure production, with near-mint copies typically valued between $20 and $50 based on recent sales.

Home Media

The film was first released on VHS in 1985 by Walt Disney Home Video. The DVD debut occurred on May 18, 1999, by Anchor Bay Entertainment in Region 1, featuring a widescreen transfer. A Blu-ray edition was released in 2011 for Region A, including extras such as deleted scenes and an interview with composer Henry Mancini. As of November 2025, no 4K UHD version has been issued. Digital streaming became available on Disney+ in 2019 with an HD but was removed after 2024 due to Disney's vault ; as of November 2025, it is available for purchase or rental on platforms including Amazon Video, Apple TV, and at Home. International releases include a DVD on August 21, 2006, and a Japanese VHS on October 15, 1981. Early editions contained no special features, while later disc releases incorporated trailers, production stills, and other bonus materials.

Cultural Impact

Despite its initial commercial and critical shortcomings, Condorman has developed a dedicated among enthusiasts and online geek communities, appreciated for its quirky blend of tropes and spy elements. The film's earnest cheesiness and elaborate gadgetry have endeared it to fans who rediscover it through home media and streaming discussions, positioning it as an overlooked entry in 's early 1980s live-action output. In pop culture retrospectives, Condorman has been highlighted as an "underrated gem" for its unpretentious and influence on gadget-heavy narratives in later media. A 2013 Den of Geek lookback praised its status as a favorite among fans, noting fan-created sketches by prominent artists that celebrate its visual flair. Additionally, as of May 2025, it continues to hold appeal for its ambitious cross-genre storytelling. The film's cult appeal extends to online forums and social media, where enthusiasts share analyses, fan art, and nostalgic threads on platforms like , fostering ongoing appreciation for its campy charm. Midnight screenings in the are occasionally recalled in fan anecdotes as early gatherings that helped build its underground reputation, though documentation remains sparse. Annual anniversary celebrations, particularly the 40th in 2021, saw a surge in activity, with posts, videos, and episodes marking the milestone and amplifying calls for greater accessibility. This peak reflected growing fan investment in preserving obscure titles. Condorman's legacy within Disney's live-action catalog is viewed as a precursor to gadget-driven comedies like Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989), emphasizing inventive humor over high-stakes action, though it remains one of the studio's more experimental superhero attempts. As of 2025, no major remakes or reboots have materialized, but fan-driven petitions, including one launched in 2023 urging its addition to Disney+, highlight ongoing efforts to revive interest through restoration and streaming availability. Minor merchandise revivals, such as limited-edition collectibles tied to anniversary events, have also surfaced to cater to collectors.

References

  1. https://d23.com/a-to-z/condorman-film/
  2. https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/56573
  3. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/condorman
  4. https://movies.disney.com/condorman
  5. https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Condorman
  6. https://filmthreat.com/reviews/condorman/
  7. https://www.moriareviews.com/sciencefiction/condorman-1981.htm
  8. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Film/Condorman
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082199/
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/31/movies/condorman-espionage-spoof.html
  11. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/condorman/cast-and-crew
  12. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/19379-condorman/cast
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082199/fullcredits/
  14. https://mouseplanet.com/whatever-happened-to-condorman/7552/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082199/locations/
  16. https://thegreatdisneymovieride.home.blog/2024/05/27/condorman-1981/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082199/trivia/
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082199/releaseinfo/
  19. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/19379-condorman/releases
  20. https://posteritati.com/poster/40499/condorman-original-1981-us-one-sheet-movie-poster
  21. https://www.imdb.com/video/vi338281241/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082199/parentalguide/
  23. https://www.ebay.com/itm/235760466610
  24. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Fox-and-the-Hound-The
  25. https://thedorkreview.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-1981-disney-movie-condorman.html
  26. https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/condorman-1981-lookbackreview/
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082199/reviews/
  28. https://gonewiththetwins.com/condorman-1981/
  29. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/condorman/reviews
  30. https://eofftvreview.wordpress.com/2022/08/13/condorman-1981/
  31. http://mrpeelsardineliqueur.blogspot.com/2009/09/losing-touch-with-reality.html
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQd-rkHmNhk
  33. https://filmmusicreporter.com/2012/11/12/henry-mancinis-condorman-and-christopher-youngs-hush-scores-released/
  34. https://www.movie-wave.net/condorman/
  35. https://www.discogs.com/release/5448767-Henry-Mancini-Condorman-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack
  36. https://www.filmscoremonthly.com/board/posts.cfm?threadID=92757&forumID=1&archive=0
  37. https://music.apple.com/us/album/condorman-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1570496154
  38. https://filmmusicreporter.com/2021/06/11/condorman-digital-soundtrack-album-released/
  39. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1604243.Condorman
  40. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/condorman_joe-claro/2294726/
  41. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Condorman-Joe-Claro/dp/059032022X
  42. https://www.ebay.com/itm/226991774155
  43. https://www.comics.org/issue/35829/
  44. https://www.comics.org/issue/35909/
  45. https://www.comics.org/issue/36130/
  46. https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=440201
  47. https://gocollect.com/comic/condorman-1
  48. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Condorman-Blu-ray/44567/
  49. https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Condorman-DVD/21532/
  50. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/condorman
  51. https://the-jh-movie-collection-official.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Walt_Disney_and_Buena_Vista_video_releases
  52. https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Condorman-DVD/84844/
  53. https://www.cbr.com/forgotten-superhero-movies-released-in-80s/
  54. https://www.reddit.com/r/OnCinemaAtTheCinema/comments/mklhf2/happy_40th_anniversary_to_the_true_american/
  55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa7S85O-3oM
  56. https://comicbookcentral.net/366-barbara-carrera-on-her-roles-as-a-bond-villain-in-never-say-never-again-and-a-spy-in-disneys-condorman/
  57. https://www.change.org/p/add-condorman-to-disney-plus
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
Contribute something
User Avatar
No comments yet.