How Kevin Costner and Kevin Reynolds Survived a Legendary Hollywood Feud
Director Kevin Reynolds opens up about his turbulent working relationship with Kevin Costner, the infamous Waterworld production, and how the two eventually found common ground.
Few careers in cinema have swung between triumph and disaster quite like Kevin Costner’s. From the heights of Oscar-winning acclaim to the depths of critical derision, his journey has been anything but predictable. Yet, behind many of his most notable projects stands another Kevin—Reynolds, a director and writer whose influence on Costner’s path is undeniable.
The Beginnings of a Creative Partnership
Reynolds made his directorial debut with Fandango, a coming-of-age road film that has since achieved cult status. It also marked Costner’s first leading role, setting the stage for a creative partnership that would span several productions. Their collaboration flourished, with Reynolds at the helm of further projects featuring Costner, including the swashbuckling Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
However, their working relationship would soon be tested in ways neither could have anticipated.
Waterworld: A Production Under Pressure
Their most notorious joint venture, Waterworld, quickly became infamous for its chaotic shoot and spiralling costs. The film’s troubled production was matched only by the strain it placed on the two Kevins. As Reynolds recalled in an interview,
“He asserted himself. We had discussions, then arguments, and then a falling out. It’s not something I want to go into in detail. But it took years for us to get over it. I think Kevin’s more comfortable in his skin now.”
Costner, then at the peak of his career and wielding considerable influence as both star and producer, was under immense pressure to deliver a hit. The scale of the project, combined with the scrutiny of the press and the logistical nightmare of filming at sea, only heightened tensions.
“It was difficult, no doubt about it,”
Reynolds admitted.
“We had some serious arguments. There was so much pressure on the film itself because, at the time, it was the most expensive ever made. The press were after us from early on, willing us to fail.”
Reconciliation and New Beginnings
Despite the acrimony that followed Waterworld, time eventually healed old wounds. While the pair did not collaborate on another film, Reynolds did direct Costner in the television miniseries Hatfields & McCoys. The project proved a success, earning Reynolds an Emmy nomination and Costner the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie. Their ability to work together again, even after such a public falling out, speaks to the resilience of their professional relationship.