Multiple Cinematic Universes End After Major Film Flops

Several notable Hollywood films illustrate the challenges and risks involved in creating lasting cinematic franchises and universes. Waterworld, a sci-fi action film directed by Kevin Reynolds and starring Kevin Costner, initially suffered from backstage issues and is remembered as a significant flop, though it has since gained cult classic status and renewed interest via free streaming platforms. Similarly, cinematic universes like the DC Extended Universe have shown fragility, with films such as Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom marking the end of these ambitious projects due to poor reception and shifts in studio leadership. Another example is The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, which faced production difficulties, low critical and box office success, and ultimately ended the careers of its star Sean Connery and director Stephen Norrington, highlighting the high stakes of big-budget fantasy adaptations. These cases underscore how both production challenges and audience reception can derail even highly anticipated films and their potential sequels or spin-offs. The experiences of these movies reveal the precarious nature of sustaining long-term cinematic ventures despite initial promise.