On May 25, 1977, Star Wars premiered, revolutionizing the film industry and generating nearly $4 billion today. Inspired by its success, Disney embarked on creating The Black Hole, a space disaster film, which underwent numerous revisions before filming began in 1978. Despite its ambitious visuals and a unique ending, the 1979 release struggled financially, earning only $35 million. Over time, however, it garnered a more appreciative audience, reflecting on the challenges faced during production.
The Birth of a Sci-Fi Classic: Star Wars’ Impact
On May 25, 1977, Twentieth Century Fox premiered a groundbreaking film titled Star Wars, directed by George Lucas. This cinematic marvel went on to earn a staggering 775 million dollars, which is equivalent to nearly 4 billion dollars in today’s market! Following this monumental success, the film industry saw a surge in science fiction films as studios raced to replicate Star Wars’ triumph.
The Journey of The Black Hole: From Concept to Creation
The Black Hole, an ambitious project, was conceived as early as 1974, inspired by the disaster film craze following hits like The Towering Inferno (1972) and The Poseidon Adventure (1974). However, the road to production was fraught with challenges, including multiple changes in screenwriters and directors.
It wasn’t until three years later, buoyed by the revolutionary special effects showcased in Star Wars, that the project finally gained momentum. Disney recognized an opportunity to create a disaster film set in space, merging two of the most popular genres of the era.
Director Gary Nelson, known for his previous work with Disney on projects such as The Boy Who Talked to Badgers and Freaky Friday, was brought on board. Upon taking the helm, Nelson chose to overhaul the existing script, which originally featured typical Disney characters and family-oriented themes. He decided to start anew, crafting a fresh narrative.
The story unfolds in the year 2130, where a team of explorers on their return to Earth stumbles upon an abandoned spacecraft near a black hole. As the crew of the Palomino approaches, the situation takes a dramatic turn for the worse…
Filming for The Black Hole commenced in secrecy from October 1978 until late April 1979, spanning a grueling 26 weeks of shooting from 7 AM to 7 PM each day. The production incurred significant costs, and only a few takes were filmed per day. Nevertheless, the atmosphere on set was positive, with the cast fully engaged in this ambitious cinematic endeavor. The film featured over 150 matte paintings, a record for Disney, alongside stunning sets that contributed to its visual appeal.
As the end of filming loomed, a crucial issue arose: the film lacked a conclusive ending. With 125 days of shooting completed, the script concluded abruptly as ‘The ship enters the black hole.’ The team ultimately decided on an unexpected sequence following the ship’s entry, featuring a surreal landscape reminiscent of Fantasia, filled with flames and ruins leading to an ethereal glass palace, accompanied by a beautiful score from John Barry. This bold yet unconventional sequence would leave many viewers puzzled.
The Black Hole premiered on December 20, 1979, in the United States, just six months before the release of The Empire Strikes Back. It faced stiff competition from the first Star Trek feature film, which marked the return of its beloved characters a decade after the series concluded. Additionally, The Black Hole was notable for being Disney’s first feature film to receive a rating other than ‘G,’ due to mild swearing and a significant scene featuring Anthony Perkins’ character.
Despite the high expectations, the film struggled at the box office, earning only 35 million dollars worldwide against a production budget of just under 20 million dollars. Years later, Nelson reflected, “We all thought we were going to have the next Star Wars, which was not the case. However, the film has gained appreciation over time, so I can’t complain.”