Audiences made Kevin Costner’s “Waterworld” No. 1 at the box office over the weekend in the wake of tepid reviews and bad press over its bloated budget.

The movie - considered the most expensive film ever made at $175 million to $200 million - took in an estimated $21.6 million in its debut weekend.

“It’s impressive considering the negative press, but there is still a question whether it will earn its money back,” said John Krier of Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc., which tracks box office performance.