Set in a dystopian tomorrow Kevin Reynolds helmed Waterworld (1995) washed ashore in theaters nearly 30 years ago, as one of the most infamous summer sci-fi films, starring Kevin Costner. Despite the iconic amalgamation of Aquatic Western with a science-fiction twist, the movie became famous for its outrageous budget and behind-the-scenes creative battles.
Years later looking back at Kevin Reynolds’ Waterworld, it seems a lot of those issues could have been avoided with quick thinking and foresight. Or maybe, Kevin Costner could have simply listened to Steven Spielberg’s advice, especially after he reached out to the director for suggestions, ahead of shooting.
Kevin Costner Sought Steven Spielberg’s Advice Ahead of Waterworld
Playing the role of a mysterious wanderer in a post-apocalyptic world, Kevin Costner catered to the character of Mariner in Kevin Reynolds’ renowned 1995 action sci-fi Waterworld. However, ahead of starring in the movie, the actor considered it right to seek advice from acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who was experienced with shooting on water, given his cult classic Jaws.
According to Waterworld screenwriter Peter Rader, who spoke with Yahoo, noted the conversation between Kevin Costner and Steven Spielberg. Rader disclosed that Costner sought Spielberg’s advice days before starting the production of the movie, and the filmmaker apparently had a very strong recommendation for the actor.
“Kevin said, ‘Steven, I’m doing this Waterworld movie, and we’re shooting on water. Do you have any advice for me?’ And Spielberg was unequivocal: ‘Do not shoot on water! You’re going to need a couple of shots on water, so use second unit for that. Do all of your coverage in a tank or a stage.’” Rader shared.
Steven Spielberg was well aware of what he was saying to Kevin Costner. Given that his own experience filming Jaws was a nightmare, which was followed by a significant surge in budget, the director didn’t want Costner to face the same issue. Therefore trying to save Kevin Reynolds’ Waterworld, Spielberg offered his honest and most important advice.
Dismissing Spielberg’s Suggestion Led to Waterworld’s Troubled Production
Unfortunately, despite personally seeking Steven Spielberg’s advice, Kevin Costner dismissed his suggestions, because Kevin Reynolds decided to go ahead with his plans to shoot on the Pacific Ocean waters. Therefore, supporting Reynolds, Costner had to disregard Spielberg’s piece of wisdom, when it came to implementing it in production.
Kevin Costner shunned Steven Spielberg‘s advice and eventually, Waterworld suffered significantly during production. Although the production complications weren’t exclusively due to filming on water, ignoring the filmmaker’s suggestions certainly aggravated the situation. Without a doubt, shooting on real water bodies made the film look stunning, but it certainly wasn’t worth the trouble and money.
Although Steven Spielberg’s Jaws was able to overcome the hurdles it faced during production and come out stronger than expected, Kevin Costner’s Waterworld failed to make a similar impact. While Jaws became a super successful cult classic, Kevin Reynolds’ 1995 action sci-fi merely qualified as a success for earning $264M against its $175M production budget via The Numbers.
Waterworld is available on Prime Video.
