Needed a better lead to make this a hit (character and voice)
Think about Disney movies that do well, they normally have a compelling lead, both visually and story wise.
Normally a pretty girl is the lead. This was a skinny guy with glasses and for some reason, a square ass (I thought he had a book in his trousers.)
And Michael J. Fox was a failed movie star as the voice lead. If he fails at the box office and can no longer make movies, why choose him?
Laura Tomb Raider came out the same year, same genre (adventure) and did very well.
Should have chosen a sexy female lead.
Throw in the traditional side kick animal and you’ve got a Disney hit.