Long before the superhero boom with films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the genre enjoyed considerable success in the 90s. In addition to hits such as Batman and Batman Returns, there were also film adaptations that today are only will be remembered for their unintentionally funny trash factor.
This also includes the DC comic book adaptation Steel. Our international sister site Espinof recalls the almost cult flop from 1997 with basketball star Shaquille O’Neal in an article.
Superhero film Steel with Shaquille O’Neal became a disaster
Steel is based on the DC comic series about weapons developer John Henry Irons. He designed an advanced high-tech weapon for the US military, which ended up in the hands of gangsters. After Irons’ girlfriend was left paralyzed in an accident, he transformed himself into the superhero Steel using a self-made suit of armor to ensure law and order.
With dubious special effects and a clichéd plot Steel was an absolute box office flop. With a budget of 16 million dollars, the blockbuster only grossed a measly 1.8 million dollars.
Watch a trailer for the DC flop Steel here:
Steel – Trailer (English) HD
As Espinof explains, Steel had a negative record until the release of The Marvels last year. In the second weekend after the release Revenues fell by 78 percent. Combined with the devastating Rotten Tomatoes average of 8 percent, Steel is a failure on virtually every level.
Where can you watch the superhero disaster Steel?
The superhero flop is currently not available to stream anywhere as part of a flat rate. If you still want to watch Steel, you can buy the film from providers such as Amazon Prime.