Will Arnett recently recounted a highly uncomfortable audition experience involving Kevin Costner, which took place during the filming of The Postman in 1997. The Arrested Development star shared on Hot Ones how food poisoning almost caused a serious accident during his meeting with Costner, highlighting the intense anxiety he felt throughout the encounter.
The Audition Complicated by Illness and Hospital Visit
Prior to his meeting with Kevin Costner, Arnett had suffered severe food poisoning that led to hospitalization due to dehydration. He explained how, at the time of the audition, he was enduring his longest stretch away from a bathroom in hours, a situation that heightened his distress during the appointment.
“The night before I had eaten something bad, and I ended up going to the hospital because I was so dehydrated from being ill. At that point, that afternoon going to meet him, that was the furthest I’d been away from the bathroom in like 14 hours. And I remember getting up there and meeting him and being a fan of his and just sweating. And just thinking like this could go really bad right now. I was meeting Kevin Costner and I legitimately was worried about crapping my pants.” – Will Arnett, Actor
Impact on Career and Later Success
Though Arnett did not secure the role in The Postman, the experience marked a memorable moment early in his career. Despite this setback, he later appeared in a variety of projects, including the Bradley Cooper-directed film Is This Thing On?, which received positive attention. His candid story reflects the stressful and unpredictable challenges actors sometimes face during auditions.
Understanding the Challenges Behind Auditions
This story involving Will Arnett and Kevin Costner sheds light on how external factors, such as illness, can heavily influence pivotal moments in an actor’s career. Such behind-the-scenes obstacles often remain hidden from the public but can dramatically impact performances and opportunities. Arnett’s willingness to share this moment reveals a more human side to the industry, emphasizing that auditions are not only tests of talent but also resilience under pressure.
