For decades, ‘Waterworld‘ has had a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most troubled productions. Hurricanes flattened expensive sets, the budget ballooned to a record-breaking $175 million, and the shoot stretched far beyond schedule. By the time the film reached theaters in 1995, its chaotic production had become almost as famous as the movie itself.
What makes the story even more remarkable is that Steven Spielberg saw it all coming. After surviving his own nightmare while filming ‘Jaws‘ (1975) on the Atlantic Ocean, the Oscar-winning filmmaker warned director Kevin Reynolds not to make the same mistake. While his advice couldn’t have been clearer, the production ignored it and faced the music.
Steven Spielberg Knew the Ocean Could Destroy A Movie
By the time ‘Waterworld’ entered production, Spielberg had already learned one of filmmaking’s hardest lessons while making ‘Jaws’ in 1975. Instead of shooting in controlled water tanks, he insisted on filming in the Atlantic Ocean off Martha’s Vineyard.
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The decision nearly derailed the entire movie. Saltwater repeatedly damaged the mechanical shark, weather constantly interrupted filming, and boats drifted out of position between takes. The production ran over schedule and over budget, leaving Spielberg wondering if he had made a career-ending mistake.
Looking back years later, he admitted the ocean had humbled him. “I was naïve about the ocean, basically,” Spielberg said. “I was pretty naïve about Mother Nature, and the hubris of a filmmaker who thinks he can conquer the elements was foolhardy.”
‘Jaws’ became a landmark success despite those problems, but Spielberg never forgot what the shoot had cost. When Kevin Reynolds asked for advice nearly two decades later, Spielberg had no interest in sugar-coating the answer.
Kevin Reynolds Ignored Spielberg’s Warning
Screenwriter Peter Rader later recalled the conversation between Reynolds and Spielberg before ‘Waterworld’ began filming. Rader recalled Reynolds asking the legendary director, “Steven, I’m doing this ‘Waterworld’ movie, and we’re shooting on water. Do you have any advice for me?”
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Spielberg’s response left little room for debate. “Do not shoot on water! You’re going to need a couple of shots on water, so use the second unit for that. Do all of your coverage in a tank or a stage,” he replied.
Reynolds and lead actor Kevin Costner moved forward with their original plan anyway. The production headed to the waters off Hawaii, where massive floating sets, stunt sequences, and practical effects would all take place on the open ocean.
Everything Spielberg Warned Them About Came True
The problems started almost immediately. Early in production, a hurricane destroyed one of the film’s enormous floating atoll sets, forcing the crew to rebuild it from scratch before shooting could continue.
Ocean currents constantly pushed boats and jet skis out of position, meaning crews spent hours resetting equipment between takes. Bad weather caused further delays, while rough seas left cast and crew battling seasickness and jellyfish stings.
Costner himself narrowly escaped serious injury after becoming caught in a sudden squall. The production stretched from a planned 96-day schedule to more than 150 shooting days, with costs climbing from an estimated $100 million to roughly $175 million.
This made ‘Waterworld’ the most expensive movie ever produced at the time. The media quickly turned the troubled shoot into a story of its own, nicknaming the film “Kevin’s Gate” and “Fishtar” before it even reached theaters.
Although ‘Waterworld’ eventually recovered much of its investment through worldwide box office and later developed a loyal cult following, its production became a lasting reminder of Spielberg’s warning. It seemed like some lessons only make sense after you’ve ignored them.
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