Kevin Costner‘s ‘Waterworld‘ was one of the most anticipated films of the 1990s, but it ended up being a box office disaster. The film, directed by Kevin Reynolds, was released in 1995 and starred Kevin Costner, Dennis Hopper, and Jeanne Tripplehorn. Despite its high budget, the film failed to impress audiences and critics alike, leading to a significant loss for Universal Pictures.

The High Budget

‘Waterworld‘ had a budget of $175 million, making it the most expensive film ever made at the time. The high budget was due to the elaborate sets, special effects, and the construction of a floating city. However, the film only grossed $274 million worldwide, which was not enough to cover the production costs.

The Negative Reviews

‘Waterworld‘ received mostly negative reviews from critics. The film holds a 44% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics calling it a ‘wet mess’ and ‘a soggy, overblown disaster.’ The film was also nominated for several Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Actor for Kevin Costner.

The Impact on Kevin Costner‘s Career

‘Waterworld‘ had a significant impact on Kevin Costner‘s career. After the film’s failure, Costner’s career began to decline. He went on to star in several other films, including ‘The Postman’ and ‘For Love of the Game,’ but none of them were as successful as his earlier films like ‘Dances with Wolves’ and ‘The Bodyguard.’

The Legacy of ‘Waterworld‘

Despite its failure, ‘Waterworld‘ has become a cult classic. The film’s sets and costumes were auctioned off after its release, and many of the props are now on display at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles. The film also spawned a theme park attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood, which opened in 1995 and closed in 2018.

Conclusion

‘Waterworld‘ was a major disappointment for Kevin Costner and Universal Pictures. Despite its high budget and elaborate sets, the film failed to impress audiences and critics. However, it has since become a cult classic and has had a lasting impact on Kevin Costner‘s career. To learn more about the making of ‘Waterworld‘ and its impact on Hollywood, visit our website for more articles and insights.