How Waterworld Started as a Roger Corman Mad Max Knockoff & Became a $175 Million Blockbuster

How Waterworld Started as a Roger Corman Mad Max Knockoff & Became a $175 Million Blockbuster

As a lifelong fan of sci-fi, I can’t help but be captivated by the fascinating journey of Waterworld. The original vision for this movie was far from the blockbuster we eventually saw, and it’s intriguing to imagine what could have been if Roger Corman‘s small-budget production had taken the reigns.


In 1995, the post-apocalyptic sci-fi film “Waterworld” was released as the most financially draining movie due to production expenses and delays. However, an unusual version of this film almost came into existence, produced on a minimal budget, without Kevin Costner, which could have been created by the studio of renowned low-budget sci-fi director Roger Corman.

Now that “Waterworld” is available for streaming on Peacock, let’s revisit its origins and see how this movie that later became a potential blockbuster began as something entirely different from what we eventually saw on the big screen.

1. In Waterworld, Kevin Reynolds was the director, with Kevin Costner both in the lead role and having significant input into the movie’s final version. The film originated from a script penned by Peter Rader in 1986. Set far in the future, the story unfolds on an Earth mostly submerged due to global warming, where land is nothing more than a legend. Costner portrayed the main character, the enigmatic Mariner, who rescues a young girl who holds the key to locating the last remaining piece of dry ground on the planet.

How Waterworld Started as a Roger Corman Mad Max Knockoff & Became a $175 Million Blockbuster

More on Peacock:

1. Here Comes Bruce Campbell Again! A Glimpse at the Satanic Thriller “Hysteria” on Peacock!

The water-set production turned out to be extremely costly, with its initial budget of $100 million for a mid-’90s film inflating to an astounding $175 million due to weather-related haltings. Delays also stretched the planned 96-day shoot to over 166 days. Prior to its release, the production difficulties and delays gave the movie a reputation. Despite earning $264 million globally at the box office, it failed to recover its budget and marketing expenses, though it’s worth mentioning that later home releases reportedly managed to make a profit according to Deadline.

In a 1995 interview with Starlog magazine, the original screenwriter Rader shared his thoughts on his initial script and concept for the movie, which underwent significant changes upon the arrival of Reynolds and Costner, who transformed the project and raised the budget to Hollywood blockbuster standards. Reportedly, Rader wrote the script as a spec script for Roger Corman’s production company, known for its B-movie sci-fi productions like the 1994 Fantastic Four. Instead of creating a typical “Mad Max”-inspired desert movie, Rader wanted to explore a watery post-apocalyptic world.

Initially, I began contemplating various concepts of tomorrow, and one thought that crossed my mind was about celestial bodies where every satellite is water-covered. This led me to ponder, ‘What if an entire planet were submerged?’ I suggested this idea to producer Brad Krevoy, saying, “How about we create the entire film on water?” His response was, “You’re out of your mind! Producing such a movie would cost us $5 million!” Enamored by the concept, I decided to write it independently. And thus, Waterworld came into being.

about:blank

Rader explained that he considered the project as a blend of a “western” and an ancient, epic story. He didn’t specifically envision any actor for the leading role initially, but acknowledged that a movie star would be necessary for the part. In true 90s fashion, Costner was perfect for the job at the time. Initially, efforts to launch the project faced challenges, with some suggesting to omit the climactic ending – a crucial part of the Waterworld story according to Rader, which later became a significant scene in the finished movie.

As a gamer, I’d say: “In that film, the colossal super-tanker was the epic centerpiece, and the climactic battle unfolded upon its massive hull. The super-tanker was there since the very first drafts, serving as the pinnacle of the storyline.

However, when Costner and Reynolds joined the project, there was a growing ambition to revamp the film and transform it into a major blockbuster for the summer season. This shift led to the elimination of many of the unique and eccentric elements that Rader had initially included in his script.

As a gamer pouring my thoughts out, I’ll tell you about the initial concept I sketched. It was jam-packed with whimsical and over-the-top aspects. For example, my pirate captain fancied himself Neptune, flaunting a trident and lounging in a throne made of a clamshell. You could say there were plenty of quirky, humorous details like that scattered around. And let me tell you, it was quite the surreal experience too.

Among the unusual objects was the ship’s captain initially concealing a horse on board, and birds were significant, being highly valued for their ability to spot land from afar.

“Rader stated that the overwhelming nature of managing numerous animals became inconvenient, so they chose to minimize their presence. Similarly, they removed nearly all the less dense components.”

Ultimately, the movie turned out to be exceptionally distinctive, boasting a captivating visual style, convincing practical effects, and grandiose sets that continue to impress today, largely due to the substantial resources invested in its production. It’s a marvel of determination and perseverance, a clear demonstration of the dedication required to bring it into existence despite the numerous challenges faced along the way. While initial reviews were mixed, some applauded its blockbuster spectacle feel, while others criticized Costner’s somber performance as the leading man.

Ready to dive back into the water-soaked saga that captivated you before, or perhaps curious about it after all these years? Stream ‘Waterworld’ right now on Peacock!

Related

Watch Resident Alien

Read More

Sorry. No data so far.

2024-08-13 18:47