Will Arnett has opened up about one of his most nerve-wracking auditions, a story now known as the Kevin Costner audition story. The actor revealed the incident during an appearance on Hot Ones, where he described auditioning for Kevin Costner’s 1997 film, The Postman, while still recovering from a severe illness. Despite his excitement to meet Costner, Arnett faced physical challenges that made the audition especially difficult.
Challenges Faced During the Audition
Arnett explained that the night before the audition, he had eaten something that caused serious illness, which led to dangerous dehydration requiring hospitalization. He recounted to host Sean Evans the discomfort he endured during the day of the audition:
“The night before, I’d eaten something bad, and I ended up going to the hospital because I was so dehydrated from being ill,”
he said.
“And at that point that afternoon going to meet him, that was the furthest I’d been away from the bathroom in like, you know, 14 hours.”
Meeting Kevin Costner Under Stressful Conditions
Despite his physical state, Arnett proceeded with the audition but was terrified throughout the encounter. His fear was fueled not only by meeting a major Hollywood star but also by his own ongoing illness.
“I remember getting up there and just meeting him and being a fan of his, and like this was a big deal, and just sweating, and just thinking, ‘This can go really bad right now.’ Yeah, I was meeting Kevin Costner and I legitimately was worried about crapping my pants,”
Arnett admitted, highlighting his discomfort and anxiety.
Aftermath and Career Progression
Though he did not disclose which character he was auditioning for and ultimately did not secure a role in The Postman, the film featured a notable cast including Olivia Williams, Will Patton, Tom Petty, Peggy Lipton, and Larenz Tate. The experience, while fraught with difficulty, did not deter Arnett from continuing his acting career. He eventually earned widespread recognition in 2003 through his role in Arrested Development, marking a major turning point.
The Significance of the Audition Story
Will Arnett’s recounting of this audition highlights the unpredictable pressures actors often face, especially when battling personal health issues while pursuing major opportunities. The ordeal underscores the vulnerability behind the scenes, even when working with well-known stars like Kevin Costner. This story remains a candid reminder of the challenges within the audition process and how perseverance can lead to eventual success.
