Kevin Costner’s career has been filled with a series of successful films and TV roles. Some of the classics include Field of Dreams, The Untouchables, Dances With Wolves, and most recently, the series Yellowstone, as well as his passion project film saga, Horizon.
One more movie Costner wished he could have added to his resume was the 1993 Academy Award-winning holocaust drama, Schindler’s List.
When Costner read the script, he had hopes of directing the film, but a deal was quickly made in which Steven Spielberg signed on to helm the epic. So the actor switched gears, and made his bid to star instead.
In a recent interview on “The Howard Stern Show” (via /Film), Costner expressed his desire to be involved in the project. Like so many of the other movies under his directing belt, Costner intended to both helm and star in the film, but Hollywood had different plans.
When asked if he thought he’d have done a better job after seeing the final product, Costner confessed, “I didn’t say that about that one because I didn’t feel it. I thought he made so many good choices to go black and white.”
However, even after being bumped for Spielberg, Costner still wanted to be involved, which led to what he called “a humiliating story,” and an audition that got pretty personal.
He explained, “I went from wanting to direct it to wanting to act in it, where I said ‘I’ll come screen test for you Steven.’ I probably put him in an incredibly awkward spot, and he goes, ‘Okay.'”
One flight to New York later, and Costner was trying on the part of Oskar Schindler, completely in character, including costume.
“I put on a bald cap, I looked like the guy and I auditioned for him in his kitchen and in the end I wasn’t the right guy for him,” Costner said.
While it wasn’t the outcome he wanted, Costner obviously accepted Spielberg’s decision. The role ultimately went to Liam Neeson in what would become his greatest performance, and still stands one of the greatest movies of all time.
In the end, it was clearly the right choice. Costner is a great actor, but I can’t imagine him in the role of Oskar Schindler. But at least Costner was able to give it a shot, and he never has to wonder what would have happened if he had thrown his hat in the ring. As he said on “The Howard Stern Show,” “You have to try.”
