Kevin Costner’s career downfall is becoming increasingly evident as his latest film, Horizon, has been shelved by Hollywood, signaling a diminishing confidence in his work. Once celebrated for his extensive contributions to cinema, Costner now faces numerous controversies and setbacks that have impacted his standing in the industry.
The Controversy Surrounding Dances With Wolves and Native American Relations
Despite the critical acclaim of Dances With Wolves for its sympathetic portrayal of Native Americans, the film’s legacy has been tainted by off-screen conflicts. Costner promised the Lakota Sioux community that he would develop a resort near the Black Hills to provide employment opportunities for the tribe. Instead, he sold the property to a different company, damaging the trust of the Sioux and sharply contrasting with the empathetic image his character projected in the film.
The Financial and Production Challenges Behind Waterworld
Waterworld, released in 1995, remains infamous for its record-breaking budget of $175 million, one of the most expensive productions of its time. Costner’s decision to shoot on the open Pacific Ocean, relying on floating sets vulnerable to inclement weather, contributed to escalating costs. When a hurricane destroyed much of the equipment, losses topped $1 million. Writer Peter Rader recalled a warning from Steven Spielberg advising Costner against extensive water filming, stressing the importance of using controlled studio tanks instead.
“Kevin said, ‘Steven, I’m doing this Waterworld movie, and we’re shooting on water. Do you have any advice for me?’ And Spielberg was unequivocal: ‘Do not shoot on water! You’re going to need a couple of shots on water, so use second unit for that. Do all of your coverage in a tank or a stage.” Peter Rader, Screenwriter
Despite this advice, Costner’s persistence led to prolonged production delays and ballooning expenses. The negative press dubbed the film with sarcastic nicknames such as Fishtar and Kevin’s Gate. Ultimately, Waterworld underperformed domestically, earning only $88 million and damaging Costner’s reputation as a reliable box office draw.
Legal Battles Adding to Costner’s Troubles
Costner’s career has been overshadowed by several lawsuits that have harmed his public image. In May 2025, stunt performer Devyn LaBella filed suit against Costner and producers of Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 2, alleging coercion into performing an unscripted, violent rape scene without an intimacy coordinator on set. LaBella claims the experience left her traumatized and led to her being blacklisted from the industry.
Costner has emphatically denied these accusations:
“My belief is that Devyn’s claims were designed, through the use of false statements and sensationalistic language, to damage my reputation.” Kevin Costner, Actor
Costner also faced a lawsuit from actor Stephen Baldwin in 2012 over a failed business venture, Ocean Therapy Solutions, a company producing oil cleanup devices. Baldwin alleged he was misled into selling his shares just before a lucrative BP deal. After winning the suit, Costner remarked:
“My name means more to me than money and that’s why we didn’t settle. That’s why we wanted to get to the truth of this.” Kevin Costner
Despite the legal victory, the company’s oil separators were never used after BP capped the ruptured Macondo well, illustrating the project’s practical failure.
Clash with Yellowstone’s Creator Over Creative Direction
Kevin Costner’s commitment to his ambitious western series Horizon has repeatedly conflicted with his role on Yellowstone, straining his relationship with the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan. Costner’s demanding schedule and creative disagreements reportedly caused friction between the two camps.
Costner’s attorney refuted claims that the actor was unwilling to invest time in Yellowstone’s later seasons, stating:
“The idea that Kevin was only willing to work one week on the second half of season five is an absolute lie. It’s ridiculous and anyone suggesting it shouldn’t be believed. Kevin is incredibly passionate about the show and has always gone above and beyond to ensure its success.” Kevin Costner’s Attorney
Sheridan revealed that the tension stemmed from differing visions of John Dutton’s character, with Costner favoring a heroic portrayal, while Sheridan envisioned a darker, morally complex figure. Sheridan explained to The Hollywood Reporter:
“There was a time in season two when he was very upset and said the character wasn’t going in the direction he wanted. I said, ‘Kevin, you do remember that I told you this is essentially The Godfather on the largest ranch in Montana? Are you that surprised that the Godfather is killing people?’ What he’s clung to is [Dutton’s] commitments to his family and way of life. Dutton’s big failing is not evolving with the times — not finding different revenue streams [for the ranch]. Kevin felt season two was deviating from that, and I don’t know that he was wrong. In season three, we steered back into it. And I recall him winning a Golden Globe last year for his performance, so I think it’s working.” Taylor Sheridan, Yellowstone Creator
The acrimony eventually escalated into legal involvement, further contributing to Costner’s reputation suffering within Hollywood. His character’s off-screen death was revealed early in Yellowstone’s fifth season, marking his exit from the series.
Highly Publicized Divorce Adds Personal Turmoil
Kevin Costner’s divorce from Christine Baumgartner, which lasted from May 2023 to February 2024, became a focal point for tabloid media, dominated by disputes over child support, prenuptial agreements, and family properties. Baumgartner initially requested nearly $248,000 per month to support their three children, a figure that was subject to widespread ridicule after Costner’s legal team exposed some questionable expenses.
The situation worsened publicly when Baumgartner’s new relationship with Costner’s former neighbor and friend, financier Josh Connor, was revealed. The tabloid coverage left Costner reportedly feeling blindsided and betrayed.
Recent Film Projects Marked by Continued Failures
Several of Costner’s films, including Wyatt Earp (1994), Waterworld (1995), The Postman (1997), and Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 1 (2024), have experienced disappointing box office returns. Horizon, a largely self-funded passion project, failed to meet expectations financially, casting doubt on the viability of future installments.
“To me, a flop is a bad movie, not one that fails at the box office. There were five flops this year that will make $80 million each.” Kevin Costner
Despite Costner’s personal defense of his projects, industry insiders increasingly view him as a financial gamble, jeopardizing the future of his franchises.
Reputation for Difficult Behavior on Set
Costner’s poor on-set reputation is largely tied to his experience on Waterworld, where he reportedly micromanaged production and clashed frequently with director Kevin Reynolds. Reynolds eventually departed before post-production was complete, critiquing Costner’s approach:
“In the future, Costner should only appear in pictures he directs himself. That way he can always be working with his favorite actor and his favorite director.” Kevin Reynolds, Director
Costner has often alienated Hollywood by self-financing his projects and insisting on creative control. In 1982’s Frances, he refused to deliver a line he felt was inconsistent with his character’s nature, highlighting his uncompromising nature. Such incidents have cumulatively affected his reputation over the decades.
Financial Strain and Legal Pressures Following Horizon
Costner reportedly invested approximately $38 million of his own capital, including a loan against one of his California estates, to produce the initial Horizon film. An insider shared this assessment of the project’s aftermath:
“Horizon was an epic failure that bled a lot of money out of him and didn’t get much viewing. He’s still picking himself up off the floor over that, and now he’s got this beast of a lawsuit threatening to get seriously costly and he’s smack-bang in the firing line unless his legal team can find a Hail Mary solution.” Industry Insider
In addition to ongoing lawsuits from co-financers, Costner is obligated to pay over $63,000 monthly in child support following his divorce. The shelving of the planned sequel to Horizon confirms that Costner’s Hollywood career is facing critical challenges as his financial stability and professional standing falter.
The difficulties besetting Kevin Costner raise important questions about the sustainability of his future in the entertainment industry and whether he can regain the trust of Hollywood studios and audiences alike.
