Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

1995's 'Mr. Payback': Interactive Cinema's Bold, Failed Experiment

2/26/2025

36 4

Summary

Story summary

In February 1995, "Mr. Payback: An Interactive Movie" burst onto the scene, inviting viewers to shape the narrative with choices. Starring Billy Warlock as a justice-seeking android, the film's ambitious $1.6 million budget fell flat, earning just $145,000. Critics dismissed it, but the dream of interactive cinema would later revive with the rise of DVDs and Netflix.

1 of 1

Story summary

In February 1995, "Mr. Payback: An Interactive Movie" burst onto the scene, inviting viewers to shape the narrative with choices. Starring Billy Warlock as a justice-seeking android, the film's ambitious $1.6 million budget fell flat, earning just $145,000. Critics dismissed it, but the dream of interactive cinema would later revive with the rise of DVDs and Netflix.