Kevin Costner’s career is a testament to his willingness to take colossal risks, often putting his own fortune on the line to bring his cinematic visions to life. From his early days to his current ambitious projects, Costner has consistently defied Hollywood norms.
Early Life and Influences:
- Born in 1955 in Lynwood, California, Costner’s upbringing was far from the glitz of Hollywood. His father worked in construction and utilities, and his mother in welfare services.
- A childhood tragedy, the death of his middle brother at birth, shaped his early life.
- Frequent moves due to his father’s work meant Costner was often the new kid, leading to shyness. He found solace in music, poetry, and his imagination.
- A pivotal moment was seeing “How the West Was Won” at age seven, igniting a lifelong passion for stories of the American frontier.
- A chance encounter with legendary actor Richard Burton on a flight in 1978 proved to be a turning point. Burton’s simple encouragement – “You have green eyes, I have green eyes, I think you’ll be fine” – spurred Costner to quit his marketing job and pursue acting.
The Rise to Stardom:
- Costner’s early acting years were challenging. He worked odd jobs and struggled to land significant roles.
- A role in “The Big Chill” was largely cut, leaving only a shot of his character’s dead body.
- His breakthrough came with Lawrence Kasdan’s “Silverado,” which finally got him noticed by casting directors.
- “The Untouchables” (1987) solidified his star status, where he held his own alongside Robert De Niro and Sean Connery.
- He further proved his bankability with “Bull Durham” and the iconic “Field of Dreams,” a film that became ingrained in American culture.
The Director’s Chair and Unprecedented Success:
- In 1990, Costner founded TIG Productions. His directorial debut, “Dances with Wolves,” was a massive gamble. Studios were hesitant about its length and use of the Lakota language.
- Costner invested his own money into “Dances with Wolves.” The risk paid off spectacularly, with the film winning seven Oscars, including Best Director for Costner, and earning over $400 million.
- He followed this with another hit, “The Bodyguard,” where he smartly negotiated a percentage of the profits, earning him a significant payday. The film’s soundtrack became the bestselling movie soundtrack of all time.
Navigating Challenges and Reinvention:
- The mid-1990s brought challenges with “Waterworld.” The film was plagued by production issues, including a hurricane that destroyed a multi-million dollar set, and its budget ballooned to an astronomical $175 million (plus $60 million for marketing). The media dubbed it “Kevin’s Gate.”
- His follow-up, “The Postman,” was a critical and commercial failure.
- Despite setbacks, Costner persevered. He made a successful comeback with the Western “Open Range” (2003) and surprised audiences with a dark turn in “Mr. Brooks” (2007).
- He found renewed success on television with the critically acclaimed miniseries “Hatfields & McCoys,” winning an Emmy for his role.
Yellowstone and the “Horizon” Gamble:
- Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton in Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone” became a cultural phenomenon. His salary reportedly reached $1.3 million per episode by season five.
- However, clashes over filming schedules arose as Costner focused on his passion project, “Horizon: An American Saga,” a four-part film series he began writing in 1988.
- He ultimately chose “Horizon” over “Yellowstone,” leading to his character’s exit from the show.
- To fund “Horizon,” Costner mortgaged his 10-acre oceanfront property in Santa Barbara, investing $38 million of his own money. The first chapter, despite a mixed critical reception, did not perform well at the box office, making less than his personal investment.
- Undeterred, Costner is pushing forward with the subsequent chapters of “Horizon” and has even announced plans for a $100 million film studio in Utah.
Personal Life and Enduring Spirit:
- Costner’s personal life has also seen its share of public scrutiny, including two divorces.
- Despite the financial risks and personal challenges, Costner, now in his 70s, continues to pursue his passions with vigor, including a new docu-series, “Kevin Costner’s The West.”
Kevin Costner’s career is a compelling narrative of artistic ambition, financial daring, and unwavering belief in his own vision. Whether his latest monumental gamble with “Horizon” pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Costner continues to play by his own rules, shaping his own legacy in Hollywood.
