Part 6/8:
Despite all the turmoil, Waterworld eventually limped to completion. Yet, by the time it reached theaters in July 1995, it had been tainted by months of negative press, compounded by its lavish spending and production problems. Reviews were lukewarm, and audiences, having read the gossip, were prepared for disappointment. Its opening weekend grossed a mere $21 million, and it ultimately domestically earned $88 million—far below expectations.