'Tomorrowland' Star George Clooney: Why I Want a Flying Car

In the 1950s, Walt Disney conceived Tomorrowland — that corner of his theme parks with the funkiest and most futuristic attractions — offering visitors a taste of the technology they may not be around to see become a reality. Now, one of today’s biggest stars, George Clooney, is headlining a movie inspired by that concept. So what futuristic invention was he craving as a kid growing up in the 1960s?

“Flying cars,” the Tomorrowland star responds with hesitation. “I mean, we all thought it was going to be The Jetsons.” Despite all the advancements we have made over the past half-century, we’re still waiting. “Where is my flying car?” Clooney wants to know.

Related: Brad Bird on Why He Had to Pass Up ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ to Make ‘Tomorrowland’

The 54-year-old actor, who stars in the film as an inventor who shows a brilliant young protégée (Britt Robertson) the titular alternate universe, says he grew up enamored with the space race.

“I was born in 1961, so everything we talked about was astronauts,” he said. “Everything we did was flying to the moon and rockets and space and computers. It was a huge part of everybody’s conversation. It was a big part of my life growing up.”

Tomorrowland opens Friday. Watch the trailer: