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Is The Story Of Tarzan Based On A True Story?

When we hear the name Tarzan, many of us imagine a man swinging through the jungle, communicating with animals, and living an adventurous life. But is the story of Tarzan based on a true story? The short answer is, no. Tarzan is a fictional character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, first appearing in the novel “Tarzan of the Apes” in 1912. Despite being fictional, there are parts of the Tarzan story that draw inspiration from real-life elements, which we’ll explore in detail. Let’s dive into why Tarzan continues to captivate audiences around the world, even over a century after his creation.

What True Story is Tarzan Based On?

While Tarzan himself isn’t real, the idea of a “feral child” raised by animals has some historical roots. There have been documented cases of children found in the wild, supposedly raised by animals. These real-life accounts, like that of the “Wolf Children” of India, may have loosely inspired Burroughs. In the case of Tarzan, he was raised by apes after his aristocratic parents died in the African jungle. His real name is John Clayton II, Viscount Greystoke, and his remarkable journey is entirely a product of Burroughs’ vivid imagination. However, the legend of Tarzan remains deeply embedded in popular culture, thanks to its themes of survival, adventure, and humanity’s connection to nature.

Why Did Legend of Tarzan Flop?

The Legend of Tarzan movie, released in 2016, didn’t live up to its box office expectations. Why did it flop? One major reason was the disconnect between modern audiences and the character. Though Tarzan is iconic, the character can feel outdated when not adapted properly. The Legend of Tarzan also faced stiff competition from other films, and its marketing failed to create enough buzz. While the film had strong performances, particularly from Alexander Skarsgård as Tarzan and Margot Robbie as Jane, the plot didn’t capture the excitement needed for a blockbuster hit. The Tarzan live action film had a budget that ballooned to nearly $180 million, and with only modest returns, it’s considered a commercial flop.

Is Tarzan a Good Movie?

When we ask whether Tarzan is a good movie, we need to specify which one, as the character has been adapted numerous times for both live action and animated films. One of the most beloved versions is Disney’s Tarzan (1999). This animated feature was a hit with both children and adults alike, largely due to its heartwarming story, engaging characters, and memorable soundtrack by Phil Collins. In terms of storytelling, Disney’s Tarzan was a triumph, balancing humor, emotion, and action. Many consider it one of the best adaptations of the character.

On the other hand, some of the earlier live-action Tarzan movies from the 1980s may not have aged as well. These versions are often criticized for poor special effects and lackluster scripts. However, the 1980s Tarzan movie, “Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes,” received positive reviews for its attempt at a more serious and grounded portrayal of Tarzan’s story. This film explored his aristocratic origins and his struggle between the jungle and civilization.

Is Tarzan a Kid Movie?

This question depends on which version of Tarzan we’re talking about. Disney’s Tarzan (1999) is definitely considered a kid-friendly movie. It was made with a younger audience in mind, featuring adventure, friendship, and life lessons that children can relate to. However, not all Tarzan movies are suitable for kids. Some live-action versions, like The Legend of Tarzan, contain more mature themes, such as violence and colonialism, making them less appropriate for a younger audience. It’s always a good idea to check the rating before deciding if a particular Tarzan movie is right for children.

Tarzan’s Enduring Legacy

The character of Tarzan has endured for over a century, and this is largely due to his fascinating backstory and unique abilities. Tarzan is often portrayed as having incredible physical strength, heightened senses, and the ability to communicate with animals. These traits make him not just a hero, but a symbol of humanity’s relationship with nature. In the story, Tarzan often struggles with the concept of civilization versus the natural world, a theme that resonates deeply with readers and viewers alike.

The Original Tarzan

Tarzan of the Apes, the original novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, set the foundation for a character that would appear in countless books, radio shows, TV series, and movies. Tarzan was not just a wild man raised by apes, but also a nobleman, born John Clayton II, Viscount Greystoke. His dual identity adds complexity to his character, as he is constantly torn between the jungle he knows and the society he was born into.

The Many Faces of Tarzan

Over the years, many actors have portrayed Tarzan on screen. One of the most famous portrayals was by Johnny Weissmuller, an Olympic swimmer, in the 1930s and 1940s. His version of Tarzan became iconic, largely thanks to his famous Tarzan yell. In the 1980s, Christopher Lambert took on the role in “Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes,” a more serious adaptation of the character. Most recently, Alexander Skarsgård played Tarzan in The Legend of Tarzan (2016). Each of these actors brought something unique to the role, but all had to portray a man torn between two worlds.

Tarzan and Jane

A key figure in Tarzan’s story is Jane Porter, the woman he falls in love with. Their relationship is central to many of the Tarzan movies, including Tarzan (1999) and The Legend of Tarzan. Jane is typically portrayed as a civilized woman who falls in love with the wild, untamed Tarzan, and their dynamic plays a big role in humanizing Tarzan and bridging the gap between his two identities.

Tarzan Video Games and Media Adaptations

Aside from books and movies, Tarzan has been featured in numerous video games and comics. The character’s agility and physical prowess make him an ideal protagonist for action-based games. One of the most popular video games is Disney’s Tarzan, released in conjunction with the 1999 animated movie. Tarzan has also appeared in radio dramas, TV shows, and countless comic strips, proving that his story can adapt to various media.

Though Tarzan may not be based on a true story, his tale of survival, love, and identity has universal appeal. From his beginnings as John Clayton II, Viscount Greystoke, to his life in the jungle, Tarzan represents the ultimate adventure fantasy. Whether you’re watching Tarzan (1999) or revisiting one of the classic Tarzan movies from the 1980s, the character’s struggle between civilization and the wild continues to resonate.

For more story facts and to answer questions like “Is Tarzan based on a true story?” visit Is True Story, where we explore more fascinating legends.