The Evolution of “The Meg”: The Story Behind the Sci-Fi Box Office Hit

As an ardent fan of cinematic tales, you might remember “The Meg,” the science fiction thriller that hit the screens in 2018. But do you know the intriguing history behind its creation? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the journey of “The Meg,” from its initial concept to its ultimate triumph at the box office.

The Initial Disney Project from the 1990s

The origins of “The Meg” go back to the 1990s when Disney first took interest in the project. However, things did not go as planned. According to Steve Alten, whose novel “Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror” was the source material for the film, the project disintegrated due to certain script ideas that were considered absurd.

The Idea of a Flying Shark

In an early script draft, the shark was given the capacity to fly. Alten states, “They stuck wings on the shark. […] I’m not kidding! They wouldn’t listen to anything I had to say. My role has got to be to keep the science and not the ridiculousness for Hollywood’s sake. One screenwriter had the shark growling.” This clear deviation from scientific authenticity was a primary reason for the project’s breakdown.

The 2005 Version: A Ray of Hope

Fast forward to 2005, and the project saw a resurgence with a new team. Renowned director Jan de Bont was roped in, and he was enthused about the project from the outset. The script was passed onto de Bont by producers Lawrence Gordon and Lloyd Levin, the team behind “Hellboy,” who in turn had received it from Guillermo del Toro.

Progress and a Roadblock

With the screenplay, producer, and director in place, the project began to take shape. De Bont sketched out some storyboards, and a 5-foot model of the shark was constructed to attract investors and producers. But just as the project was gaining momentum, financial constraints set in. New Line Cinema, the production company, was hesitant about the film’s budget, which was estimated at a whopping $157 million.

The Budget Battle and the End of the 2005 Version

A lengthy negotiation process ensued, with New Line persistently pushing for a smaller budget. Their aim was to bring the budget down to $100 million. However, by 2006, the prolonged budget battle resulted in a collective loss of interest. Del Toro moved on to other projects, and de Bont, although disheartened, had to let the project go. To this day, he keeps a shark’s tooth in his office as a memento of his involvement in the project.

“The Meg” Finally Sees the Light of Day

The project changed hands once more, briefly landing in the hands of director Eli Roth in 2015. Eventually, Jon Turteltaub came on board as the director. Production began in 2016, and the film, starring Jason Statham, finally released in 2018. The film’s budget ended up being about $178 million, but it proved to be a worthwhile investment as it raked in a massive $530 million at the box office.

Conclusion

The journey of “The Meg” from the 1990s to its eventual release in 2018 is a fascinating tale of perseverance, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of cinematic excellence. Despite initial setbacks and numerous hurdles, the project saw the light of day and managed to captivate audiences worldwide, proving to be a major sci-fi box office hit. It stands as a testament to the adage that persistence pays off.

FAQs

Who was the director of “The Meg”?

Jon Turteltaub was the director of “The Meg.”

How much did “The Meg” cost to produce?

“The Meg” cost approximately $178 million to produce.

How much did “The Meg” make at the box office?

“The Meg” made a whopping $530 million at the box office.

What was the original concept for “The Meg”?

The original concept for “The Meg” was based on Steve Alten’s novel “Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror.”

What were some of the early script ideas for “The Meg”?

Some early script ideas for “The Meg” included giving the shark the ability to fly and even growl.

Credit: www.slashfilm.com