Why Don Johnson Passed on the Role That Launched Kevin Costner’s Career
How Don Johnson Passed on the Role That Made Kevin Costner a Star — and Why He Doesn’t Regret It
In 1987, The Untouchables turned Kevin Costner from a rising talent into a full-fledged movie star. His portrayal of Eliot Ness — the Prohibition-era lawman determined to bring down Al Capone — was calm, compelling, and quietly heroic. Acting alongside legends like Sean Connery and Robert De Niro, Costner held his own and captivated Hollywood. But that role was almost someone else’s.
Director Brian De Palma’s original pick for Ness? Don Johnson — the TV icon at the height of his fame on Miami Vice.
Johnson Was the Obvious Choice — Until He Wasn’t
In the mid-80s, Don Johnson was everywhere. As Detective Sonny Crockett, he wasn’t just starring in one of television’s biggest hits — he was the trend: pastel suits, designer stubble, and sockless loafers became synonymous with ‘cool’ thanks to him. A move to the big screen seemed inevitable, especially with Miami Vice still riding high in the ratings.
So when Paramount gave the greenlight to The Untouchables, a reimagining of the classic 1959–63 TV crime drama, Johnson’s name was at the top of De Palma’s list. On paper, it made sense. Swap Crockett’s pastels for a fedora and a tailored suit, and Johnson could’ve easily stepped into Eliot Ness’ shoes.
But he turned it down — for a very specific reason.
Johnson Didn’t Want Another Badge
Though he was friends with De Palma (through then-wife Melanie Griffith, who starred in De Palma’s Body Double), Johnson had no interest in playing another clean-cut lawman. Speaking in a 2025 interview with Marc Maron on the WTF podcast, Johnson explained his thinking at the time: “I realized early on that I had to separate myself from this character. I had to separate Don Johnson from Sonny Crockett — ASAP.”
For Johnson, playing Eliot Ness felt like more of the same. He was already one of TV’s most recognizable “good guys with a badge,” and didn’t want to get boxed in. He was actively chasing roles that were the polar opposite of Crockett — and Ness just didn’t fit that mission.
Costner Seized the Moment
By the time Johnson passed, Kevin Costner was gaining traction with roles in Fandango, Silverado, and American Flyers. When he landed The Untouchables, his quiet strength and approachable screen presence gave Ness a softer, more human dimension than previous portrayals — including Robert Stack’s stoic version from the original series. Working from a David Mamet script, Costner emphasized integrity and resolve over brute force — a style that proved to be a perfect fit.
In hindsight, Costner was clearly the right choice. But if Johnson had accepted the role, Costner’s breakout moment might never have happened.
Johnson’s Film Career Never Took Off — But He Endured
Despite Johnson’s conscious pivot toward different kinds of roles, his film career never hit the same highs as his TV fame. Movies like Sweet Hearts Dance and Harley-Davidson and the Marlboro Man failed to break through. Even when he shared the screen with Costner again in Tin Cup — this time as the cocky antagonist — Johnson didn’t find lasting box office success.
Still, his career had a second wind. In recent years, Johnson has found a comfortable niche as a character actor in acclaimed projects like Django Unchained, Knives Out, and Rebel Ridge. While he may have skipped playing Eliot Ness, he carved out a path on his own terms.
As for Costner, The Untouchables launched a decades-long film career filled with iconic roles — and it all started with a part Don Johnson didn’t want.
