Kevin Costner Was First Pick for Apollo 13 Role Tom Hanks Took
Kevin Costner Was Originally Considered for Tom Hanks’ Role in Apollo 13
Kevin Costner was once in the running for a role that ultimately became one of Tom Hanks’ most iconic performances. During the 1990s, Costner was riding high with major hits like Dances With Wolves (which won Best Picture), The Bodyguard, and Tin Cup. But he passed on what would become a modern classic — 1995’s Apollo 13.
As the film approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, it’s set for a theatrical re-release from September 19–25. In a newly released oral history featuring cast, crew, and others involved in the production, fresh behind-the-scenes details have surfaced — including the casting process for the lead role of astronaut Jim Lovell.
Director Ron Howard shared an interesting anecdote:
“Kevin Costner looked a lot like Jim Lovell, and Jim actually said, ‘Do you think you could get Kevin Costner to play this part?’ It seemed like a great fit. Costner was incredibly popular at the time, and I was definitely interested in working with him. I never really knew why he wasn’t interested.”
In the end, Tom Hanks was cast, and according to Howard, it was a perfect match. Hanks had reportedly always dreamed of playing an astronaut. Producer Brian Grazer added that he ultimately asked himself, “Who does the world want to save the most?” — and his answer was Hanks. The decision helped cement the film’s legacy.
More Stories from the Making of Apollo 13
The oral history also includes other notable tidbits from production. Ron Howard’s brother, Clint Howard, strategically chose to play EECOM controller Sy Liebergot — a role he believed would survive the final edit. “There’s no way I’ll get cut,” he said.
Interestingly, Ron Howard himself wasn’t watching the real-life Apollo 13 mission unfold — he was busy filming a guest appearance on Gunsmoke. One test screening of the movie also revealed generational gaps: a 23-year-old viewer, unaware the film was based on true events, reportedly called it “Hollywood bulls–t.”
Why Did Costner Say No?
Ron Howard admitted he never got a clear reason why Costner passed on the part. However, 1995 was a big year for the actor — he starred in and produced the ambitious (and notoriously expensive) Waterworld. The massive production schedule may have prevented him from committing to Apollo 13.
To this day, Costner hasn’t publicly commented on his near-involvement in the film. However, he did later take on a role related to NASA in 2016’s Hidden Figures, portraying a fictional space program official in the Oscar-nominated drama.
