On this day May 20, 1983, the sci fi action film Spacehunter Adventures in the Forbidden Zone premiered in theaters. Directed by Lamont Johnson, the movie starred Peter Strauss, a young Molly Ringwald, Ernie Hudson and Michael Ironside. Released during the wave of early 80s science fiction, the film combined post apocalyptic world building with 3D technology to create a visually ambitious experience.
The story followed a bounty hunter navigating a dangerous alien planet to rescue kidnapped women, all while facing mutant creatures and hostile environments. Despite mixed reviews, Spacehunter performed modestly at the box office, earning 16.5 million dollars against a 14.4 million dollar budget.
Over time it became a cult favorite among fans of retro sci fi cinema and remains a unique entry in the genre’s 80s catalog.
Fun fact: Spacehunter was one of the first major 3D movies of the 1980s and was released just one week before Return of the Jedi, which heavily impacted its box office performance.