Why Kevin Costner Took Legal Action Against His Own Movie Years Later

Kevin Costner has long been a major figure in Hollywood, but his career hasn’t been without controversy—especially behind the scenes. Known for his dedication to filmmaking, sometimes to a fault, Costner has experienced both major successes like Field of Dreams and high-profile flops like Waterworld. Over the years, he also took on producing roles, gaining firsthand experience with the financial and logistical side of movie-making.

This knowledge proved crucial when Costner found himself embroiled in a legal battle more than a decade after the release of his 1991 hit Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Directed by Kevin Reynolds, the film retells the classic Robin Hood tale, following a nobleman who escapes prison to find his father murdered and his homeland under threat. The movie was a box office success, raking in over $390 million worldwide—a payday that should have benefited everyone involved.

However, Costner claimed he was denied his rightful share of the profits. He sued the film’s production company, Morgan Creek Productions, accusing them of withholding payments and breaching their contract. Despite the film’s ongoing revenue from DVD and TV sales, Costner alleged the company deliberately concealed earnings to avoid paying him his agreed-upon percentage.

Under the terms of his contract, Costner was entitled to 12.5% of gross profits after the film earned $60 million and 15% after $100 million. Frustrated, Costner stated, “Every actor hopes to star in a great movie that makes substantial profits. But if you’re hoping to earn profits based on the success of your film and want to be paid on time, then Morgan Creek Productions is definitely not the company to do business with.”

Unfortunately, even big-name stars can fall victim to such tactics in Hollywood. The industry is notorious for contract disputes and companies prioritizing profits over fairness—a situation echoed more recently by Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit over Black Widow and its early streaming release.

Hollywood’s greed can be ruthless, leading some to cut corners and sideline ethical practices for financial gain. For Costner, the experience was a harsh lesson, likely influencing his future business decisions and causing him to avoid working with Morgan Creek Productions again.