Why Michael Madsen Regrets His Role in a Kevin Costner Movie Failure

Michael Madsen Turned Down Tarantino for a Kevin Costner Flop — and Regretted It

Late character actor Michael Madsen carved out a legacy with his intense screen presence and brooding charm, appearing in over 300 films throughout his prolific career. Known for his cold stare and unpredictable energy, Madsen shined particularly bright in Westerns. Two of his most memorable performances came in Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill Vol. 2” and “The Hateful Eight”, both rich with Western influence. But not every trip to the Wild West went smoothly — in fact, there’s one film he openly regretted doing.

In a 2004 interview with The Guardian, Madsen recalled a major career fork in the road. He had to choose between a role in Tarantino’s highly anticipated second film, “Pulp Fiction,” or a part in “Wyatt Earp” (1994), a big-budget Western starring Kevin Costner and directed by Lawrence Kasdan. Madsen chose the latter, signing on to play Virgil Earp, the older brother of Costner’s titular lawman. It turned out to be a decision he came to deeply regret.

Critics and audiences alike found Wyatt Earp long, dry, and uninspired — especially when compared to its direct competitor, 1993’s “Tombstone,” which had already captivated audiences with Kurt Russell’s take on the same legendary lawman. In contrast, Wyatt Earp was a box office disappointment. Madsen himself described the experience as “three hours of nausea.” Dennis Quaid, who played Doc Holliday, later said the movie felt like a “history lesson” — not exactly a glowing endorsement.

But the regret ran deeper than the film’s poor reception. By choosing Wyatt Earp, Madsen missed out on playing Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction — a role written specifically for him. The part instead went to John Travolta, and it famously reignited Travolta’s career. Madsen had already played Vincent’s brother, Vic Vega (aka Mr. Blonde), in Reservoir Dogs, so the connection made perfect sense. But the opportunity slipped away — and it reportedly put a strain on his relationship with Tarantino.

Fortunately, that rift didn’t last forever. When Tarantino was casting “Kill Bill,” he gave Madsen another chance, bringing him on board as Budd, the washed-up brother of the titular assassin. The role allowed Madsen to show a softer, more vulnerable side that audiences hadn’t seen before — and it reminded viewers of what made him such a compelling actor in the first place.

Looking back, things may have worked out in their own way. Travolta’s chemistry with Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction became iconic — something that might not have sparked the same way with Madsen. Still, it’s hard not to wonder how different cinema history might look if Madsen had made the other choice.