10 Major Blockbusters You Knew Were Doomed Before Release

9. Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)

Speed is one of the greatest action movies ever made, a pulsating high-concept adrenaline ride that earned over ten times its $30m production budget. Director Jan de Bont's next movie was Twister, which would gross almost $500m to become the second highest-grossing movie of 1996. Unfortunately, the contractually-obligated sequel would turn out to be one of the biggest misfires in the history of blockbuster filmmaking. The first warning sign came when star Keanu Reeves opted not to return to the franchise, and was instead replaced by the bland Jason Patric. Next came the news that a movie with 'Speed' in the title would take place on a cruise ship, not renowned as the fastest mode of transport. Thirdly, the cringeworthy pun was added as a subtitle. Get it? Because they're on a cruise ship! The sequel was given a hefty $110m budget, of which a whopping $25m was spent solely on the final scene where the ship crashes into the island of Saint Martin. It was obvious that Speed 2 wasn't going to be very good based solely on the trailer, which comes equipped with poor dialogue, steel drum music, a portentous voiceover and constant references to the first movie. Widely regarded as one of the worst sequels ever made, the movie made less than $50m domestically and earned just $164.5m worldwide. Speed 2 would also go on to claim eight Razzie nominations and become acknowledged as terrible on numerous occasions by star Sandra Bullock.