Decades after its release, Battlefield Earth, the science fiction film starring John Travolta, remains a cinematic punching bag. Executive producer Andrew Stevens recently reiterated the widespread sentiment, stating plainly that the movie “never should have been made.” This harsh assessment echoes the critical drubbing the film received upon its release in 2000, and solidifies its place in the pantheon of Hollywood flops.
Adapted from Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s 1982 novel, Battlefield Earth was a passion project for Travolta, a prominent Scientologist. He took on the role of Terl, the menacing alien leader who has enslaved humanity in the year 3000. The film depicts a desolate Earth, ravaged and controlled by the Psychlos, with Barry Pepper starring as Jonnie Goodboy Tyler, a human who rises up against their oppressors. Despite featuring a cast that included Forrest Whitaker, Kim Coates, and the late Kelly Preston, the film failed to resonate with audiences or critics.
Stevens, in a candid interview with Vice, didn’t mince words about the film’s shortcomings. He described Battlefield Earth as “a s*** concept with a s*** book and a s*** script.” His bluntness underscores the deep-seated negativity surrounding the movie, even years later.
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Christian Tessier, another actor in Battlefield Earth, offered a slightly more sympathetic perspective. He recalled the cast and crew’s efforts to salvage a troubled production, suggesting that they were “trying our best to make something out of something that was probably going to fail.” Tessier pointed to inconsistencies in the film’s narrative and world-building as contributing factors to its failure.
Adding to the chorus of criticism, screenwriter JD Shapiro has previously expressed strong disapproval of his own work on the film, even labeling his script “the worst script ever.” He distanced himself from the final product, joking that comparing Battlefield Earth to a train wreck was unfair to train wrecks, as people actually enjoy watching those.
Despite its notoriety, or perhaps because of it, Battlefield Earth maintains a certain cult status as a “so bad it’s good” movie for some viewers. However, for many involved, including its own executive producer, it remains a stark reminder of a project that went spectacularly wrong. For those in the UK curious to revisit this infamous film, Battlefield Earth is not currently available on streaming platforms.
