Debunking the Myth: Kevin Costner Never Fired Robert De Niro
Despite circulating rumors, Kevin Costner never fired Robert De Niro. Both Costner and De Niro are Hollywood veterans—respected members of the industry’s A-list with long and distinguished careers. Even in the later stages of their careers, they continue to deliver impressive performances.
Kevin Costner remains a cultural staple, notably after his public exit from Yellowstone, where he starred for years, as well as his involvement in Horizon: An American Saga. Although Horizon faced critical challenges and underperformed at the box office, Costner’s presence in the industry remains strong.
Robert De Niro, known for taking eclectic roles throughout the 2000s and 2010s, has recently returned to his dramatic roots. Starting with Joker in 2019, he has since delivered acclaimed performances in films such as The Irishman, Ezra, and Killers of the Flower Moon—the latter earning him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 96th Academy Awards. As seasoned industry icons, any rumor involving Costner and De Niro naturally attracts attention, even if it’s baseless.
The Origin of the Rumor: A Satirical Tweet
The rumor that Kevin Costner fired Robert De Niro originated from a satirical tweet. The post featured a photo of the two actors side by side with a fabricated quote attributed to Costner:
“He’s disrespectful and he doesn’t know when to shut up.”
According to the tweet, Costner supposedly said that De Niro was set to earn $30 million for what Costner allegedly considered a “pity role.” The tweet continued:
“I gave it to him because he’s having a hard time finding work. Then he pulls that stunt in Lower Manhattan. I don’t need that kind of negativity on my set.”
The “stunt” referenced was De Niro’s real-life May 28 remarks outside a courthouse during the criminal hush money trial of former President Donald Trump in New York City. This event, organized by Joe Biden’s campaign during his reelection bid, actually happened—but the claim that Costner fired De Niro because of it is completely fabricated.
Why the Rumor Is False
The entire story is a work of fiction, a fact made obvious by the absence of any project name in the posts alleging De Niro’s firing. No credible source or evidence supports the rumor. The supposed quotes, including comments like:
“The Reagan was right,” and “I needed an aging Italian tough-guy stereotype, and he does that well. But so do twenty other actors.”
are clearly part of the satirical nature of the post. The satirical message even included a tongue-in-cheek plea:
“If you’re looking for the source of the story, look no further. No, literally—look no further. You won’t find anything. Please don’t show your ‘research’—there’s no need.”
For those who have been sharing misinformation for years, this rumor may just be another piece of “bullhonkey” to add to the pile.
Conclusion
In summary, Kevin Costner never fired Robert De Niro. The rumor originated from a satirical tweet meant to entertain or provoke, not to report factual events. Both actors continue to have successful careers, and any suggestion of professional conflict between them is purely fictional.
