RoboCop Director & Kevin Bacon’s Horror Flop
- Paul Verhoeven, the director known for classics like "Robocop" and "Total Recall," has expressed regret over his 2000 film, "Hollow Man." Despite its commercial success, verhoeven said he...
- "Hollow Man," starring Kevin Bacon, Elizabeth Shue, and Josh Brolin, grossed $190 million worldwide.
- In a 2013 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Verhoeven reflected on his filmography, singling out "Hollow Man" as a misstep.
Paul Verhoeven, the acclaimed director behind the iconic “RoboCop,” harbors regrets about his involvement in the Kevin Bacon horror film, “Hollow Man.” Discover why this box office success left Verhoeven disappointed, as he candidly shares his perspective that other directors could have delivered the same result, unlike his more distinctive films. The film, released in 2000, generated a substantial $190 million at the worldwide box office. However, Verhoeven expressed that this project didn’t fully embrace his unique vision as a filmmaker. Dive into the reasons behind Verhoeven’s sentiments regarding this project and gain insight into the director’s critical assessment of his own work, all presented by News Directory 3.Discover what’s next …
Verhoeven Regrets Hollow Man: Robocop Director’s Horror movie Disappointment
Updated June 09, 2025
Paul Verhoeven, the director known for classics like “Robocop” and “Total Recall,” has expressed regret over his 2000 film, “Hollow Man.” Despite its commercial success, verhoeven said he believes the Kevin Bacon horror movie wasn’t a project that uniquely showcased his directing skills.

“Hollow Man,” starring Kevin Bacon, Elizabeth Shue, and Josh Brolin, grossed $190 million worldwide. The film follows a scientist who becomes invisible, leading to a descent into villainy. While some view it as a cult horror favorite, Verhoeven has been openly critical of the movie.
In a 2013 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Verhoeven reflected on his filmography, singling out “Hollow Man” as a misstep. He felt that many other directors could have helmed the project,unlike his more distinctive works such as “Starship Troopers.”
“I decided after ‘Hollow Man,’ this is a movie, the first movie that I made that I thought I should not have made. It made money and this and that, but it really is not me anymore. I think many other people could have done that… I felt depressed with myself after 2002.”
Despite Verhoeven’s reservations, “Hollow Man” boasts a strong cast, including Rhona Mitra, Kim Dickens, and William Devane. The film’s special effects and suspenseful action contributed to its initial appeal, even if it didn’t achieve the lasting impact of Verhoeven’s other films. while it may not be top-tier Verhoeven,”Hollow Man” remains a solid,entertaining horror movie.

What’s next
Verhoeven has continued to direct films, and his earlier works like “Robocop” continue to be celebrated. “Hollow Man” remains a point of reflection for the director, highlighting his commitment to projects that align with his unique vision.
