Kevin Costner Praises Director as “A Really Gifted Filmmaker”
Kevin Costner is a fascinating figure in Hollywood. The star first rose to fame as a rugged leading man, known for iconic roles in The Bodyguard and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. However, maintaining his place at the top of the film industry has proven challenging. For every major hit—like those mentioned, along with his Academy Award-winning Dances With Wolves and his recent success on Yellowstone—there seems to be a project that flops spectacularly.
Few films from the 1990s are as publicly infamous as Waterworld, which bombed at the box office and effectively ended Costner’s most successful era on a disappointing note. Similarly, The Postman is often cited as one of his dullest releases, while the reception of his latest project, Horizon: An American Saga, remains uncertain despite Costner investing a huge amount of his own money. His failures tend to be on a grand scale—but notably, they have almost always been his own choice.
Costner undeniably has charisma and talent. Yet, what he gains in rugged charm, he often loses in consistency. This is something he has always strived to master—and it’s a quality his favorite director exemplifies in abundance.
Steven Spielberg stands apart in the cinematic world. Beloved by audiences and critics alike, Spielberg has crafted a career nearly free of major missteps. His filmography spans cult classics, family-friendly hits, and blockbuster successes. To Costner, Spielberg represents the pinnacle of achievement. When asked to define “successful,” Costner was quick to respond: “The first person, I think, Steven Spielberg is really successful, you know?” Although he also mentioned figures like Thomas Jefferson, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos, Costner continued, “Here’s a guy who’s probably not so dominant in his personality who’s been able to do everything he’s wanted to do.”
Costner particularly praised Spielberg’s versatility, despite common perceptions of his work: “I don’t think Steven has limited himself. Early on, people said he could only make certain kinds of stories. This guy is really gifted.”
Having directed films himself, Costner is uniquely qualified to offer insight into what it takes to succeed in the industry. For him, Spielberg is one of the most talented and adaptable filmmakers working today: “He’s a really gifted filmmaker, and I think he has challenged almost all genres—he really has.” With a record of consistent hits few directors can rival, Spielberg sets a standard Costner admires deeply. While Costner has experienced both triumph and failure, for him, true success lies in the freedom to create on his own terms. In that respect, Costner might just be the most successful of all.
