Universal Pictures
There are many sci-fi bombs that should have been box office hits, but not every flick can be a home run. In the ’90s, everyone expected Kevin Reynolds’ ambitious “Waterworld” to ride the waves of success, but it sank following its release — both critically and commercially. However, the Kevin Costner-starring post-apocalyptic tale has aged pretty well, and sci-fi fans can stream it on Netflix right now.
“Waterworld” takes place on an Earth that’s engulfed in water due to the polar ice caps melting. Costner plays The Mariner, a drifter who sails the oceans and gets into a tussle with some pirates led by the maniacal Deacon (Dennis Hopper) after agreeing to help a woman and a kid. A chase across the high seas ensues, giving way to some entertaining action sequences and scenes where Costner’s character drinks his own pee.
Costner’s blockbuster is essentially “Mad Max” with a water setting, but there’s a lot to admire here. Most of the movie was shot on actual water, which adds some grandeur and authenticity to the proceedings (even though it was a nightmare to shoot). Costner is also great as the stoic Mariner, and Hopper chews the scenery like there’s no tomorrow. With that said, how does Costner feel about the movie?
Kevin Costner is proud of Waterworld
Universal Pictures
“Waterworld” might have flopped at the box office, but Kevin Costner has fond memories of working on the movie. While he acknowledges that the film has faults and could have performed better, he’s proud of the project. What’s more, the “Yellowstone” star believes time has been kind to the ’90s sci-fi flop.
“I know that people might think of Waterworld as a low point for me,” he told Hollywood Elsewhere (via The Guardian). “It wasn’t. It could have had a better, more obvious outcome. The thing I know is that I never had to stand taller for a movie when most were going the other way. The movie with all its imperfections was a joy for me … a joy to look back upon and to have participated in.”
In recent years, Universal has toyed with the idea of making a “Waterworld” sequel as a TV series. As of this writing, the project is stuck in development hell, but the fact that it’s even a thought suggests that there might still be an audience for “Waterworld.”
