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The Untold Story of ‘The 13th Warrior’
John McTiernan’s film ‘The 13th Warrior’ is infamous for being one of cinema’s biggest box office flops, but did you know there was a very different ending envisioned by its director?
A Promising Start That Led to Disappointment
About 25 years ago, theaters welcomed an adventure film that had all the elements needed for success. ‘The 13th Warrior’, based on a novel by Michael Crichton, who also created ‘Jurassic Park’ among other works, was adapted from his 1976 book ‘Eaters of the Dead’. Despite the hopes surrounding its release, the film ultimately failed to meet expectations. Over time, it has gained a cult following, but at the time of its release, it was marred by significant tensions between McTiernan and Crichton, which adversely affected the film’s final outcome.
The working relationship deteriorated so badly during the filming that McTiernan left the project during post-production. Consequently, Crichton had to take on the editing duties himself, a change that would have pivotal consequences for the final cut of the movie. Crichton further rejected the original score by Graeme Revell and replaced it with music composed by the renowned Jerry Goldsmith.
The Financial Fallout
The commercial performance of ‘The 13th Warrior’ in 1999 can only be described as disastrous. The film’s production budget swelled to a staggering $160 million, yet it managed to gross merely $33 million in the U.S. market. Its overall earnings totaled just over $60 million, translating to estimated losses of between $129 and $137 million. This grim financial outcome positioned the film among the most significant failures in U.S. box office history.
Creative Differences and Regrets
The clash of creative visions between McTiernan and Crichton was detrimental to the film’s success. In a 2013 interview, more than a decade after the film’s release, McTiernan reflected on the experience with deep regret, stating, “There were many problems with this film. Sometimes that happens… I prefer not to discuss my vision for the movie; I would rather not delve into this chapter.”
Nevertheless, McTiernan did share how he envisioned the film’s conclusion, which varied significantly from the final version audiences saw. His preferred ending would have honored the film ‘Zulu’ by Cy Endfield, showcasing the bitter struggle of three survivors against overwhelming odds in a fierce battle for survival.
In this ideal finale, the survivors, knowing they cannot withstand another assault, question why they are being tortured and instead receive a salutation for their bravery. The entire situation culminates in a poignant moment of recognition, where the enemy retreats, expressing respect for the survivors’ courage. This marked ending encapsulated the themes of valor and sacrifice.
Sadly, McTiernan’s artistic vision never materialized, as Crichton completed the film and even included an unnecessary action sequence after the defeat of the beast that attacked the Vikings. Over the years, despite its rocky start, ‘The 13th Warrior’ has garnered a loyal fanbase.
