Cannon Films, a studio infamous for its risky and often unsuccessful ventures, managed to create a cult classic 1980s sci-fi B-action thriller, “Cyborg,” thanks to the remnants of failed Spider-Man and He-Man projects. This unexpected gem emerged from the ashes of two high-profile flops, showcasing the studio’s unique ability to turn misfortune into a modest success.
In 1987, Cannon Films released “Superman IV: The Quest For Peace” and “Masters of the Universe,” both of which bombed at the box office. Despite these failures, Cannon boldly announced a sequel to “Masters of the Universe” at the Cannes Film Festival that same year. Simultaneously, the studio acquired the rights to Spider-Man and planned to shoot both films concurrently. However, both projects fell apart after Cannon had already invested $2 million in costumes and sets.
Faced with the prospect of losing their investment, Cannon decided to repurpose the assets for a new film. They turned to director Albert Pyun, who had been slated to direct the failed projects, and tasked him with creating a new movie using the existing sets and costumes on a tight budget of $500,000. Pyun rose to the challenge, writing the script for “Cyborg” over a single weekend.
Originally titled “Slinger,” “Cyborg” was envisioned as a dystopian sci-fi fantasy set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly virus. The only cure was hidden within the head of a female cyborg. Pyun’s initial concept was a black-and-white rock opera with minimal dialogue, starring Chuck Norris. However, Cannon had other plans and insisted on casting Jean-Claude Van Damme, hoping to replicate the success of his previous film, “Bloodsport.”
The production of “Cyborg” was swift, wrapping up in just 23 days. However, it was not without its challenges. Van Damme, despite his prowess as a kickboxer, struggled with the intricacies of staged combat. During a fight scene, he accidentally injured co-star Jackson “Rock” Pinckney, causing Pinckney to lose the use of his left eye. The incident led to a lawsuit, with Pinckney being awarded $485,000 in damages.
Cannon initially received a black-and-white cut of “Cyborg” with a heavy metal soundtrack, which they found unsatisfactory. Pyun then recut the film in color with a less abrasive soundtrack, but test audiences were still unimpressed. Ultimately, Cannon took control of the editing process, transforming the film into a more action-oriented feature better suited for Van Damme’s rising star power.
Despite the tumultuous production, “Cyborg” proved to be a financial success. It grossed $10 million at the box office, a significant return on its modest budget. While this figure pales in comparison to modern blockbuster earnings, it represented a 20-fold return on investment, marking it as a success by any standard.
Had Cannon proceeded with the original Spider-Man and “Masters of the Universe 2” projects, they likely would have faced substantial financial losses. Instead, their missteps led to the creation of a small but enduring cult classic. “Cyborg” may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but for a film born out of necessity and resourcefulness, it holds a special place in the hearts of its fans.
Source: Giant Freakin Robot
