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This episode of What Went Wrong examines the 1995 swashbuckler Cutthroat Island, exploring how its reputation as a historic box-office disaster obscures a surprisingly fun and technically ambitious film. The hosts discuss the chaotic production history under Carolco Pictures, including Michael Douglas dropping out, Oliver Reed's erratic behavior, and the massive scale of the practical sets and stunts. They explain how the film's financial failure was less about the movie itself and more about Carolco's inevitable bankruptcy, while noting how much DNA the film shared with later hits like Pirates of the Caribbean.
Hosts introduce the episode, tease the infamous pirate film and set the stage for a deep dive into its production woes.
Lizzie and Chris outline the film’s premise, cast, and the rumors surrounding its troubled production, contrasting myth with factual history.
The hosts discuss the key figures behind the film—director Rennie Harland and producer Mario Kassar—highlighting their careers and influence on the project.
They trace Gina Davis’s early career, her meeting with Harland, and her reluctant decision to star in a female‑led pirate adventure.
The episode examines the script’s origins, its ties to Disney’s pirate ambitions, and the early attempts to secure a director and star for the film.
The hosts detail Michael Douglas’s departure, the ensuing rewrite battles, and the mounting financial and creative challenges that plagued the shoot.
Lizzie and Chris wrap up by reflecting on Cutthroat Island’s place in Hollywood history, the lessons learned, and what the film still means today.
Hosts introduce the episode and briefly mention the Mars sponsorship before diving into the story.
Hosts discuss the scramble to find a leading man, highlighting the eventual choice of Matthew Modine and the list of big names considered.
The episode covers the on‑set disasters, including ship construction, crew walkouts, and the infamous water tank incidents.
Hosts analyze the shifting release dates, competition from Waterworld, and the studio’s financial troubles leading up to the film’s debut.
The conversation turns to the film’s disastrous domestic earnings, critical reviews, and the broader context of 1990s flops.
Gina Davis Performing Stuntsstory
Gina Davis performed many of her own stunts in the film, including a dangerous carriage jump sequence that even fooled Quentin Tarantino.
Oliver Reed Fired From Setstory
Actor Oliver Reed was fired from the production after exhibiting erratic behavior, drinking heavily, and making inappropriate demands.
The production continued shooting in the water tanks at Malta Film Studios even after the sewage system failed and contaminated the water, causing crew members to fall ill.
Matthew Modine Head Injurystory
Matthew Modine was struck in the back of the head by a flying barrel prop during an exploding stunt, reopening a wound from stitches he had just gotten removed.
Cutthroat Island earned only $11 million domestically against a massive budget, leading to its removal from theaters after two weeks and cementing its status as a legendary financial failure.
“The number of times they punched Gina Davis in the face.”
“I think the story is fine.”
“I think the dialogue, I don't think that the”
“Every time they exploded something, which is, I would say, about every five minutes, something explodes in this movie, something large and expensive.”
“The overall budget had ballooned from 60 or 70 million to $120 million, which would have made it one of the most expensive movies of all time.”
“The Guinness Book of World Records has claimed, as of April of 2012, that it was the biggest box office flop of all time, pegging the net loss at $105 million.”
It's the film that fin(n)ished Carolco! Or so we've been led to believe... This week, Chris & Lizzie seek to uncover who really scuttled Carolco Pictures - was it Geena Davis and Renny Harlin? Or was Cutthroat Island a mere scapegoat? Plus, Matthew Modine takes his lumps (on set and after), poop tanks infect the crew, and Michael Douglas dodges a trip to Davy Jones' locker. Go to surfshark.com/wrong http://surfshark.com/wrong or use code WRONG at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
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