A decade before Disney made the action packed Pirates of the Caribbean franchise they made an adaptation of a classic story known the world over for its thrills, action and adventure. The Three Musketeers was a 1993 action-adventure film based on the popular 1844 novel of the same name about four veteran French musketeers turned outlaws on a quest to save France.

The story follows a young man named D’Artagnan who wants to join the musketeers since his father was once a musketeer. However, the musketeers had recently been disbanded and all those who refused to turn in their swords were considered outlaws.

Three in particular, Athos, Porthos and Aramis, happen upon the young lad by chance and he is effectively taken under their wing. When hearing of a plot to assassinate the King of France and establish an alliance with the Duke of Buckingham, they reassemble the musketeers to prevent the assassination.



At the King’s birthday celebration an attempt is made on the King’s life with D’Artagnan stopping the assassin while the rest battle the Cardinal’s personal bodyguard. After the battle D’Artagnan is made a full musketeer and confesses his love to Constance, the Queen’s handmaiden. The four heroes then leave the palace with the heads held high ready for another adventure.

While there were many names considered for the roles of the three titular heroes, names like Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Gary Oldman, Jean-Claude Van Dam etc., the swords were eventually sheathed by Keifer Sutherland as Athos, Oliver Platt as Porthos and Charlie Sheen as Aramis. The role of D’Artagnan was given to Chris O’Donnell.



Alongside the heroes legendary actor Tim Curry played the main antagonist Cardinal Richelieu, a corrupt religious leader who controls France behind the king’s back. His second in command, Captain Rochefort, was played by Michael Wincott.



Originally the film was being developed with Cinergi Pictures, who later left the production when they disagreed with Disney’s casting choices. Disney then brought in Caravan Pictures under Joe Roth and Roger Birnbaum to finish production.

The film had a lot to live up to. The most well known adaptation at the time was the 1973 version from 20th Century Fox. The film also received two sequels, one in 1974 and one in 1989. So it had quite the uphill battle.



The film released on November 12th, 1993. The film made $111 Million on a $30 Million budget. An impressive haul. Sadly the film didn’t receive favorable views from critics. Despite the film being a financial success there were no sequels made, despite there being multiple novels in the series. It is a shame that there was never a follow-up.



While it might not be as flashy or as grand as other action films from Disney such as the aforementioned Pirates of the Caribbean series, the overall product gives a well constructed story filled with political intrigue and character development with likable and memorable characters with great performances to match. If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience this film before it is highly recommended. 

Do you have any memories of this film? Let us know.