10 Box Office Flops That Put Their Creators in "Director’s Jail"
The film industry is a cutthroat world, where creativity and innovation are constantly being tested. Sometimes, even the most talented directors and producers can fall victim to box office flops, which can have devastating consequences for their careers. In this article, we’ll explore 10 box office flops that put their creators in "director’s jail" – a phrase coined to describe the sinking feeling of watching a project that was once considered a surefire hit, but ultimately failed to impress audiences.
1. "Waterworld" (1995)
Directed by Kevin Reynolds, "Waterworld" was a post-apocalyptic adventure film starring Kevin Costner as a drifter who navigates a flooded world. With a budget of $175 million, it was expected to be a blockbuster hit. However, it grossed only $88 million, making it one of the biggest box office flops of all time.
2. "John Carter" (2012)
Walt Disney’s adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic sci-fi novel, "John Carter", was expected to be a massive hit. Directed by Andrew Stanton, the film boasted a all-star cast, including Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins. Unfortunately, the film grossed only $73 million on a budget of $250 million, putting its creative team in a financially precarious situation.
3. "The Postman" (1997)
Kevin Costner’s environmental drama, "The Postman", was a crowning jewel of The Greenlight Project, a production company co-founded by Costner. With a budget of $80 million, the film grossed only $18 million, putting the company’s future in jeopardy.
4. "Battlefield Earth" (2000)
Based on a novel by L. Ron Hubbard, "Battlefield Earth" was a science fiction epic directed by Roger Christian and starring John Travolta. With a budget of $73 million, the film grossed only $39 million, earning it numerous Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Actor.
5. "The Adventures of Pluto Nash" (2002)
Directed by Ron Underwood, "The Adventures of Pluto Nash" was a science fiction comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Randy Quaid. With a budget of $100 million, the film grossed only $7 million, making it one of the most expensive flops in history.
6. "Two Weeks Notice" (2002)
Ulrich König’s romantic comedy, "Two Weeks Notice", starred Sandra Bullock and Benjamin Bratt. With a budget of $50 million, the film grossed only $39 million, disappointing audiences and critics alike.
7. "The Alamo" (2004)
Directed by John Lee Hancock, "The Alamo" was a historical drama starring Billy Bob Thornton and Dennis Quaid. With a budget of $107 million, the film grossed only $21 million, earning it a spot among the worst box office flops of all time.
8. "How Do You Know" (2010)
James L. Brooks’ romantic comedy, "How Do You Know", starred Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson. With a budget of $120 million, the film grossed only $48 million, marking one of the most disappointing debuts of the year.
9. "Sahara" (2005)
Directed by Peter Zucked, "Sahara" was an action-adventure film based on a popular video game. Starring Penélope Cruz and Matt McConaughey, the film had a budget of $95 million but grossed only $119 million, well below expectations.
10. "The Doom" (2005)
And finally, "The Doom" was a science fiction horror film directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak and starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. With a budget of $60 million, the film grossed only $55 million, failing to impress critics and audiences alike.
In conclusion, these 10 box office flops serve as a reminder that even the most talented creators can experience the sting of failure. From Kevin Reynolds to Ulrich König, these directors were all left reeling from the financial and critical backlash of their respective flops. As the film industry continues to evolve, it remains a wild ride full of uncertainty and risk, where success is never guaranteed and failure can be devastating.
