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Waterworld: A $175 Million Cautionary Tale in Hollywood

5/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Steven Spielberg cautioned director Kevin Reynolds about the perils of filming Waterworld on the ocean, drawing from his own harrowing experience with Jaws. Ignoring this sage advice, Reynolds encountered a barrage of obstacles, with the budget ballooning from $100 million to $175 million and relentless weather troubles. Waterworld now stands as a legendary cautionary tale in Hollywood history.

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Story summary

Steven Spielberg cautioned director Kevin Reynolds about the perils of filming Waterworld on the ocean, drawing from his own harrowing experience with Jaws. Ignoring this sage advice, Reynolds encountered a barrage of obstacles, with the budget ballooning from $100 million to $175 million and relentless weather troubles. Waterworld now stands as a legendary cautionary tale in Hollywood history.