In 2012, Universal Pictures attempted to launch a cinematic universe based on Hasbro toys, aiming to replicate the success seen by franchises like Barbie and Marvel’s Spider-Man villains. Central to this plan was the film Battleship, starring Liam Neeson, with hopes it would ignite a new series of films. However, the movie’s poor performance and sizable budget quickly halted these ambitions before the franchise could take off.
Despite sharing its name with the classic board game, Battleship only loosely connected to the source material, swapping naval strategy for an alien invasion story led by Rihanna’s character. The film’s style and spectacle bore strong influences from Michael Bay’s Transformers trilogy, to the extent that many scenes felt like a naval offshoot of that universe. Yet, Battleship’s failure to resonate with audiences marked it as a major box office disappointment.
Skyrocketing Costs Before Principal Photography Even Began
Battleship’s financial problems began early, with production costs reaching $30 million before a single usable frame was filmed. Universal invested heavily in sophisticated CGI and practical effects, securing contracts with the U.S. Navy to shoot on real naval vessels and maritime bases across Hawaii, Louisiana, and California. These decisions led to an inflated budget, further expanded by the film‘s demanding action sequences and explosive set pieces.
Initially budgeted at $150 million, Universal’s CEO Adam Fogelson decided to increase the investment to $200 million, aiming for a global hit that could justify the costs. With director Peter Berg onboard and stars including Liam Neeson and Rihanna, the film appeared to have the ingredients for summer blockbuster success. Berg’s reputation for effective military dramas, demonstrated later in films like Lone Survivor and Patriots Day, added optimism despite the project’s shaky foundations.
Ultimately, Battleship’s total budget climbed to approximately $220 million, excluding marketing. Its worldwide box office gross of about $300 million fell short of expectations, failing to cover the enormous costs and ending Universal’s hopes for a Hasbro cinematic universe in its infancy.
Storytelling and Casting Choices Weakened Battleship’s Impact
Though Liam Neeson was featured prominently in promotional efforts, his character Admiral Shane received limited screen time. Taylor Kitsch, cast as the lead, was emerging as a promising actor but had recently been tied to the poorly received John Carter, raising concerns. Budget constraints likely contributed to Neeson’s restricted role, as Universal balanced star power with lesser-known actors. Director Peter Berg later admitted to The New York Times,
“I thought I could pull off Battleship without a big star.”
—Peter Berg, Director
Battleship’s plot combined a board game concept with an alien invasion, resulting in tonal confusion and a disjointed narrative. The choice to make faceless aliens the antagonists, rather than a human adversary like another nation’s military, baffled many viewers. The story lacked a clear villain with personality or backstory, undermining the tension. The film’s action sequences, though visually impressive, were low-stakes and lacked emotional engagement, unlike the more successful Transformers series where spectacle often compensates for weaker narratives.
Attempts to tie the movie back to the board game fell short. A convoluted sequence involving guessing enemy ship coordinates felt forced and unnecessary, given how far the plot diverged from the original game’s strategic framework.
Hidden Strengths: A Subplot Honoring Military Veterans
Despite major flaws, Battleship features a heartfelt subplot that many viewers overlook. Lt. Col. Greg Gadson, a retired veteran and double amputee from an IED attack in Iraq, plays a fictionalized version of himself. His journey to reconcile his injuries with continued military service forms a poignant core within the film. Samantha, portraying Liam Neeson’s daughter, works as a physical therapist assisting Gadson’s character in a critical mission to destroy an enemy communications relay.
This storyline delivers a meaningful message about resilience and dedication, resonating especially with military veterans. It stands out amid the alien invasion chaos, providing emotional depth and highlighting challenges faced by disabled service members.
Authentic Military Visuals and Emerging Talent Add Value
Battleship’s visual achievements include filming aboard significant U.S. Navy ships such as the USS Missouri and USS Sampson, along with Japan’s JS Myōkō destroyer. The filmmakers used real ship interiors and exteriors to convey the scale and power of naval warfare, enhanced with cutting-edge CGI from Industrial Light & Magic. This combination of practical effects and digital artistry remains impressive compared to many modern action films.
Additionally, the cast included actors who went on to become well-known stars. Apart from Taylor Kitsch and Rihanna, performers like Alexander Skarsgård and Jesse Plemons delivered solid performances before rising to fame. These casting choices add a layer of interest for fans revisiting the film today.
The Film’s Legacy and What It Means for Future Projects
Though Battleship failed commercially and critically, it still holds some entertainment value and glimpses of quality. Director Peter Berg’s experience handling military settings and large-scale action sequences clearly contributed to his later successes, such as Deepwater Horizon, where similar themes were explored with greater impact. Fans of Liam Neeson may be disappointed by his limited role but can find moments worth appreciating if they persist through the film’s rough patches.
Universal’s abandonment of the Hasbro cinematic universe after Battleship’s underperformance underscores the risks of building franchises on shaky premises. The film’s combination of an unclear story, expensive production, and inconsistent casting created a cautionary tale for studios attempting similarly ambitious expansions in the years since.
