Synopsis

In a post-apocalyptic America, an unnamed drifter survives by performing Shakespeare for food and shelter. After discovering an abandoned mail truck and uniform, he pretends to be a government postman. His deliveries rekindle hope among isolated communities and inspire a growing movement to rebuild the United States, bringing him into conflict with a brutal warlord determined to preserve his control.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film is based on David Brin's 1985 science-fiction novel of the same name. The screenplay was written by Eric Roth and Brian Helgeland.

• Brin's wife suggested Kevin Costner for the title role after seeing Field of Dreams. Brin later said that Costner's casting fit the hopeful, community-minded spirit he intended for the story.

• Costner reportedly chose to work on The Postman instead of taking the lead in Air Force One.

• Filming took place in Washington state, central Oregon, and southern Arizona. Metaline Falls, Washington, served as the fictional community of Pineview.

• The production retained its approximately three-hour running time despite poor test screenings and requests from Warner Bros. to shorten it. The released film runs 177 minutes.

• Made for an estimated $80 million, the film earned about $30 million worldwide and became known as a major box-office disappointment.

• The Postman received three Saturn Award nominations but won all five of its Golden Raspberry Award nominations, including Worst Picture.