“Kevin Costner Ignored Steven Spielberg’s ‘Waterworld’ Advice on Infamous Flop”
Kevin Costner Dismissed Steven Spielberg’s Advice on ‘Waterworld’ — and Paid the Price
A new deep dive into Kevin Costner’s career downfall has revealed the Oscar-winning actor-director ignored critical advice from Steven Spielberg during the making of Waterworld — a decision that contributed to one of the most notorious box office flops in Hollywood history.
The exposé, titled How Kevin Costner Lost Hollywood, outlines the highs and lows of Costner’s career, with Waterworld marking a significant turning point. At the peak of his fame in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Costner delivered hits like Dances With Wolves, Field of Dreams, and The Bodyguard. But by 1995, that reputation began to unravel.
Set in a dystopian future where Earth is almost entirely submerged, Waterworld was ambitious from the start. However, its production spiraled out of control — largely due to Costner’s decision to shoot on open water, despite Spielberg’s warnings. Spielberg, having faced similar challenges on Jaws, urged Costner to film in a controlled water tank environment. Costner declined, leading to escalating costs, dangerous conditions, and major logistical headaches — including storms, tsunamis, and even a near-drowning incident involving the star himself.
The film’s budget ballooned to an unprecedented $175 million (about £131 million), and with marketing included, costs reached an estimated $235 million (£177 million). While it earned $264 million (£198 million) globally, theater cuts meant it failed to recoup expenses during its theatrical run. Only later did the film claw back some revenue through home media — but the damage to Costner’s blockbuster reputation had already been done.
According to the article, ignoring Spielberg’s advice wasn’t an isolated moment of defiance, but reflective of a broader pattern. Costner was described as a driven perfectionist with a strong sense of creative control. Former agent Rick Nicita remarked:
“The word difficult gets used a lot… That’s not Kevin. He knew what he wanted and didn’t like to compromise. That kind of confidence can be mistaken for arrogance.”
Despite the fallout from Waterworld and subsequent flops like The Postman, Costner managed to rebuild parts of his career. He found success in the 2010s with films like Man of Steel and Hidden Figures, and his starring role in the hit series Yellowstone brought renewed acclaim. The show, which ran from 2018 to 2024, earned him a Golden Globe — though backstage disputes led to his controversial exit in the final season, with his character ultimately written out.
Meanwhile, Spielberg, whose legacy remains firmly intact, recently shared his pick for what he considers the “greatest American film ever made.”
