Christian Slater had built momentum through a series of well-regarded films in the late 1980s before joining the 1991 medieval adventure Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves alongside Kevin Costner. Though the film achieved considerable box-office success, ranking as the second-highest-grossing release of that year, it drew substantial critical disapproval that appeared to threaten the young actor's upward trajectory.

Slater reflected positively on the experience, highlighting the creative satisfaction and accomplished supporting cast. His career setbacks ultimately stemmed not from critical rejection of the film itself, but from personal difficulties with substance abuse and legal problems that emerged later. He has since managed to recover from these challenges.