Honor Wolfgang Petersen’s Vision – Release the Director’s Cut of Poseidon


Honor Wolfgang Petersen’s Vision – Release the Director’s Cut of Poseidon
The Issue
To the Executives and Creative Leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery,
We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this petition requesting the release of the director’s cut of Poseidon (2006), helmed by the late Wolfgang Petersen. This is not simply a tribute — it is a timely opportunity to restore a studio title with untapped potential and renewed relevance in today’s media landscape.
At a runtime of approximately 98 minutes, the theatrical version of Poseidon omitted nearly 25 minutes of filmed content. Reports from cast, crew, and early production materials suggest that this missing footage includes key character development, emotional arcs, and tension-building sequences that deepen the narrative and enrich audience engagement.
In recent years, Warner Bros. has seen firsthand the demand for restored and reimagined editions. The success of Zack Snyder’s Justice League demonstrated how unfinished or modified projects can be revitalized, turning dormant titles into cultural and commercial events. Similarly, Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner evolved from a modest release into a cinematic milestone, thanks in large part to restored editions that honored the director’s vision.
Poseidon presents a similar opportunity:
- The footage exists and requires no significant reshoots.
- Disaster films remain globally popular, particularly in digital and streaming formats.
- The film features an ensemble cast, practical effects, and high production values that continue to resonate with modern audiences.
- A director’s cut could be timed for the film’s 20th anniversary in 2026, or as part of a Wolfgang Petersen legacy spotlight.
While Mr. Petersen’s contributions to Warner Bros. — including Outbreak, The Perfect Storm, and Troy — are significant, Poseidon remains the only one of his major WB titles that has never been presented in full. This is a missed opportunity to complete his body of work and showcase a more balanced version of the film, where character and spectacle are in alignment.
We respectfully request that Warner Bros. consider releasing the extended cut of Poseidon, either through streaming or as a collector’s edition. Doing so would not only enrich the studio’s catalog but also demonstrate an ongoing commitment to creative integrity and audience satisfaction.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned Supporters of the Poseidon Director’s Cut

2
The Issue
To the Executives and Creative Leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery,
We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this petition requesting the release of the director’s cut of Poseidon (2006), helmed by the late Wolfgang Petersen. This is not simply a tribute — it is a timely opportunity to restore a studio title with untapped potential and renewed relevance in today’s media landscape.
At a runtime of approximately 98 minutes, the theatrical version of Poseidon omitted nearly 25 minutes of filmed content. Reports from cast, crew, and early production materials suggest that this missing footage includes key character development, emotional arcs, and tension-building sequences that deepen the narrative and enrich audience engagement.
In recent years, Warner Bros. has seen firsthand the demand for restored and reimagined editions. The success of Zack Snyder’s Justice League demonstrated how unfinished or modified projects can be revitalized, turning dormant titles into cultural and commercial events. Similarly, Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner evolved from a modest release into a cinematic milestone, thanks in large part to restored editions that honored the director’s vision.
Poseidon presents a similar opportunity:
- The footage exists and requires no significant reshoots.
- Disaster films remain globally popular, particularly in digital and streaming formats.
- The film features an ensemble cast, practical effects, and high production values that continue to resonate with modern audiences.
- A director’s cut could be timed for the film’s 20th anniversary in 2026, or as part of a Wolfgang Petersen legacy spotlight.
While Mr. Petersen’s contributions to Warner Bros. — including Outbreak, The Perfect Storm, and Troy — are significant, Poseidon remains the only one of his major WB titles that has never been presented in full. This is a missed opportunity to complete his body of work and showcase a more balanced version of the film, where character and spectacle are in alignment.
We respectfully request that Warner Bros. consider releasing the extended cut of Poseidon, either through streaming or as a collector’s edition. Doing so would not only enrich the studio’s catalog but also demonstrate an ongoing commitment to creative integrity and audience satisfaction.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned Supporters of the Poseidon Director’s Cut

2
The Decision Makers
Petition created on June 7, 2025