Synopsis

In a future where melting polar ice has flooded the planet, a solitary sailor known as the Mariner survives aboard a trimaran and trades scarce resources among floating settlements. After discovering that a young girl may possess a map to the legendary Dryland, he becomes the target of the ruthless Smokers and reluctantly joins forces with the girl's guardian to protect her.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was shot from June 27 through December 1, 1994, with major water sequences filmed around Hawaii and additional work in California.

• The enormous floating Atoll set reportedly weighed about 1,000 tons, stretched roughly a quarter of a mile, and cost approximately $22 million to construct.

• Production costs climbed to an estimated $175 million, making Waterworld the most expensive film ever produced at the time. Its worldwide theatrical gross was approximately $264.2 million, including about $88.2 million domestically.

• The production became associated with severe logistical problems, including storms, damaged equipment, and the difficulties of staging large-scale action scenes on open water.

• Director Kevin Reynolds and Kevin Costner reportedly clashed during postproduction. Reynolds left after the first cut, while Costner and Universal oversaw further editing before the 135-minute theatrical release.

• The film received one Academy Award nomination at the 68th Academy Awards: Best Sound.

• A television version later added more than 40 minutes of footage, expanding the film's world-building and character material. The longer European "Ulysses Cut" was subsequently restored from original film elements and released alongside the theatrical and television versions.

• The movie inspired the WaterWorld live stunt show at Universal Studios theme parks, turning its elaborate seafaring action into a continuing attraction.