Legend premiered in the United States on April 18, 1986, after first debuting at the Venice Film Festival in August 1985, and it remains one of the most visually ambitious fantasy films of the decade. Directed by Ridley Scott and written by William Hjortsberg, the film stars Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, and Tim Curry in a fairy tale story about a young hero trying to stop the Lord of Darkness from plunging the world into eternal darkness.
Made on a reported $25 million budget, the production was known for its elaborate practical effects, including massive soundstage forest sets built at Pinewood Studios and groundbreaking prosthetic makeup work led by Rob Bottin. While Legend underperformed at the box office, earning about $23.5 million worldwide against its budget, it has steadily gained a cult following, particularly after the release of the restored director’s cut in 2002.