Kevin Costner’s Career in Trouble? “The Phone Has Stopped Ringing” for Leading-Man Paydays!
Kevin Costner’s Hollywood Future in Question as Career Reportedly Enters “Polite Decline Mode”
Kevin Costner is reportedly facing mounting challenges in Hollywood, with insiders claiming the Oscar winner is struggling to secure major “leading-man” roles.
The actor’s career turbulence follows his highly publicized and contentious departure from Yellowstone in 2024. Reports at the time alleged behind-the-scenes tension, including claims of a heated “power struggle” with show creator Taylor Sheridan and accusations involving co-star Wes Bentley.
Adding to the controversy, Costner has also faced multiple legal battles in recent years. Among them was a dispute tied to his Western epic Horizon 2, involving a stunt performer who accused him of misconduct. The series of headlines has reportedly taken a toll on his reputation within the industry.
According to an insider, the Hollywood perception of Costner is shifting.
“The Hollywood sentiment toward Kevin is changing and is kind of in a polite decline mode,” the source shared. “There are insurance considerations about too many issues on set. No one’s blackballing him, but the phone has stopped ringing for leading-man money.”
A Difficult Few Years
The past two years have been especially challenging for Costner. In 2023, he went through a very public divorce from his wife of 18 years, Christine Baumgartner — a split that reportedly came with significant emotional and financial strain.
Shortly after, his Yellowstone exit dominated headlines, followed by a critical exposé examining his recent professional setbacks and alleged industry fallout.
Despite the wave of negative press, Costner is said to be taking a reflective approach.
Looking Ahead to a “Redemption Year”
Sources close to the actor claim he has grown increasingly introspective since his divorce and career controversies.
“This period of life has been a huge adjustment for Kevin,” one insider explained. “He’s spent the last year trying to figure out what’s next for him.”
Another source added that Costner has been telling those close to him that 2026 will be his ‘redemption year.’
“He’s embracing the journey,” the insider said.
Planning a Comeback
While reports suggest the criticism has affected him more than he publicly admits, Costner is believed to be focused on rebuilding.
“Kevin was devastated and furious,” a source claimed. “He cares way more than he lets on.”
Despite this, those close to him say he doesn’t dwell on media coverage and prefers to focus on work. In fact, reports indicate he may be attached to portray former President Bill Clinton in a political drama series titled United.
Financial Pressure Mounting
Costner’s eagerness to return to steady acting work may also be tied to financial pressures. The actor reportedly invested a substantial portion of his own fortune into his ambitious Western film saga Horizon. However, the project underperformed critically and commercially.
Combined with the costs of his divorce, insiders claim the situation has left him motivated to secure new roles.
“He has a lot of expenses and has spent a lot of his money,” one source said, adding that Costner has privately admitted he “does not have the money people think he has.”
Now, the veteran star is reportedly determined to return to the spotlight — and to the kind of roles that once made him one of Hollywood’s most bankable leading men.
