How a Legendary Director and Kevin Costner Repaired a Broken Bond
Director Kevin Reynolds opens up about his rocky relationship with Kevin Costner, the behind-the-scenes drama on Waterworld, and how the two eventually found common ground after years of tension.
Few Hollywood careers have swung as wildly as Kevin Costner’s. From Oscar- winning highs to infamous flops, his filmography is a rollercoaster. But behind many of his most memorable projects stands another Kevin—director Kevin Reynolds. Their partnership began with Fandango, a coming-of-age road movie that’s now a cult favorite. It was Costner’s first leading role, and it kicked off a creative collaboration that would span several films.
Creative Sparks and On-Set Tensions
Things took a turn when the two teamed up for Waterworld, a production notorious for its chaos and ballooning costs. The pressure was immense, and the relationship between actor and director began to fray. Reynolds later reflected on the experience, saying,
“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, riding high after a string of box office hits and serving as both star and producer, was under enormous scrutiny. Both men were determined to make the film a success, but the stress of filming on open water only made things worse.
Pressure Cooker: The Making of Waterworld
Filming Waterworld was a logistical nightmare. The open sea setting, unpredictable weather, and relentless media attention created a perfect storm. Reynolds recalled,
“It was difficult, no doubt about it. 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.”
The tension between the two Kevins reached a breaking point, and after the film wrapped, they went their separate ways for years.
Reconciliation and New Beginnings
Despite the fallout, time eventually healed old wounds. While they never made another feature film together, Reynolds and Costner reunited for the miniseries Hatfields & McCoys. Reynolds directed, and Costner starred, earning critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for Reynolds. Costner took home the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie. Their story proves that even the most strained creative partnerships can find a way back to mutual respect.