The Postman (film)

The Postman
Theatrical release poster
Directed byKevin Costner
Screenplay by
Based onThe Postman
by David Brin
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyStephen F. Windon
Edited byPeter Boyle
Music byJames Newton Howard
Production
company
Tig Productions
Distributed byWarner Bros.
Release date
  • December 25, 1997 (1997-12-25)
Running time
177 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$80 million
Box office$30 million

The Postman is a 1997 American epic post-apocalyptic adventure film produced and directed by Kevin Costner, who plays the lead role. The screenplay was written by Eric Roth and Brian Helgeland, based on David Brin's 1985 book of the same name. The film also features Will Patton, Larenz Tate, Olivia Williams, James Russo, and Tom Petty. Set in a post-apocalyptic neo-Western United States in the then near-future year of 2013, the film follows an unnamed nomad who, after finding a United States Postal Service uniform, unwittingly sparks a movement to restore the United States that challenges the rule of a tyrannical warlord.

Released on Christmas 1997 by Warner Bros., The Postman was panned by critics, who criticized the performances, screenplay, direction, and long runtime. Costner's decision to cast himself in the film was criticized. The film grossed $30 million worldwide against a budget of $80 million. It was nominated for three Saturn Awards and won all five of its Golden Raspberry Award nominations, including Worst Picture.