“Explained: Kevin Costner’s On-Set Clashes with Clint Eastwood and Kurt Russell”
Kevin Costner is undoubtedly one of the most recognized and celebrated actors of the past five decades, but even he hasn’t avoided drama behind the scenes — particularly with fellow Hollywood icons Clint Eastwood and Kurt Russell.
Costner’s early career began in the 1980s with minor roles in films like Night Shift and The Big Chill. His breakout, however, came with Silverado, which set him on a rapid rise to stardom. By the late ’80s and early ’90s, Costner had become a household name thanks to a string of critically and commercially successful films — particularly in the sports and romance genres. But it was in westerns where he truly made his mark.
His 1990 western epic Dances with Wolves became a major milestone, earning him three Academy Award nominations and winning Best Picture and Best Director. Costner later returned to the genre with Wyatt Earp, and his legacy as a western star was solidified through television projects like Hatfields & McCoys and Yellowstone. Even his ambitious recent project, Horizon: An American Saga, though not a hit at the box office, reflected his deep-rooted passion for the genre.
While Clint Eastwood and Kurt Russell are also titans of western cinema, Costner’s collaborations with both actors were reportedly less than smooth.
Kevin Costner Was Momentarily Replaced by His Stand-In on Clint Eastwood’s A Perfect World
Costner and Eastwood have only worked together once — and according to accounts from the production of A Perfect World (1993), there’s a reason it remained a one-time team-up. Eastwood, who directed and co-starred in the film as a lawman chasing an escaped convict (played by Costner), is famous for his no-nonsense, time-efficient directing style. Costner, on the other hand, tends to approach roles with deep preparation and detail.
This difference came to a head during a specific scene when Costner wasn’t ready to shoot at call time. Rather than waiting, Eastwood made the unusual decision to dress Costner’s stand-in in his wardrobe and film the shot without him. That brief moment — where a double appears onscreen — is still in the final cut of the film.
The incident led to a heated exchange between the two stars. While the exact nature of the argument remains unclear, it was reportedly intense, especially given Eastwood’s typically calm demeanor. The conflict underscored the clashing work styles between the two — Eastwood’s fast-paced, disciplined approach versus Costner’s slower, methodical one.
Kevin Costner and Kurt Russell Had Creative Differences on 3000 Miles to Graceland
Costner’s only collaboration with Kurt Russell also came with its fair share of friction. The two starred in 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001), a stylized crime thriller about Elvis impersonators pulling off a heist during Las Vegas’ Elvis Week. Though the premise was wild and promising, the film was met with negative reviews and flopped at the box office, earning just $18 million on a $50 million budget.
One reason the film struggled may have been due to creative conflicts behind the scenes. Costner and Russell reportedly disagreed on the direction the final cut should take. Russell preferred a more character-focused narrative, while Costner favored a more action-heavy, explosive edit. Both versions were tested with audiences, and Costner’s cut was ultimately chosen for release.
Despite the disagreement, it was said to be a respectful, professional difference in vision rather than a personal feud. On set, the two reportedly got along well, and their debate over the edit didn’t affect their working relationship.
A Rivalry Sparked During the Production of Wyatt Earp and Tombstone
The tension between Costner and Russell may have begun even before 3000 Miles to Graceland, during the simultaneous development of two competing westerns: Tombstone (starring Russell) and Wyatt Earp (starring Costner). Both films centered on the legendary lawman, and naturally, comparisons were inevitable.
According to Russell, he proposed a lighthearted crossover: he and Costner would make cameo appearances in each other’s films, each being killed off by the other’s version of Wyatt Earp. Costner was reportedly open to the idea, but someone from the Wyatt Earp production team allegedly dismissed it with a sarcastic remark — which Russell took as disrespectful. The failed collaboration added an extra layer of tension to their perceived rivalry.
Final Thoughts
While Kevin Costner has had moments of friction with both Clint Eastwood and Kurt Russell, none of these incidents seem to have led to lasting bad blood. His reputation in Hollywood remains strong, and most of these clashes appear to be the result of creative differences, conflicting work styles, or misunderstood intentions rather than full-blown feuds. In the end, it’s a testament to the passion and high standards these icons bring to their craft — even when it occasionally sparks a little heat on set.
