Earning recognition as a Hollywood leading man, Kevin Costner ventured into filmmaking with the 1990 film Dances with Wolves. Based on Michael Blake’s 1988 novel of the same name, the movie follows Lieutenant John Dunbar, a Civil War soldier who embraces the lifestyle of the Lakota Native Americans. The film became an unexpected hit, earning critical and commercial acclaim, and went on to win seven Academy Awards, including for Best Picture and Best Director.
While Dances With Wolves went on to be a huge hit, the actor was initially reluctant to even read its script for the longest time. However, when he did, it prompted him to direct-produce and star in the greatest Western film of his career.
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Kevin Costner Was Reluctant to Read to Dances with Wolves‘ Script
The story behind Kevin Costner’s 1990 film Dances With Wolves is quite interesting. Talking about how the film went into development during an appearance on The Tim Ferriss Show, the actor recalled how his friend and the late author Michael Blake would often criticize Hollywood’s work.
The Yellowstone star also shared that such discussions strained their relationship before the author eventually came to live with him. Once he moved into his house, he started working on a manuscript that he would present to Costner every night and ask him, “I’m writing something. Do you want to hear it?” However, he denied the offer.
The process continued for two months before he had to ask him to move out. Blake continued working on it, and nearly three weeks later, he gave him the script, telling him, “I hope you read it.” However, Costner shared that he was still pissed at him and avoided the script for about five months.
Eventually, he picked it up one night and decided to read it. The Waterworld star explained that he was proud of Blake and told him, “I’m going to make this into a movie.” He shared that he was ready to do any possible thing to make it into a movie. And it would go on to be Dances With Wolves, which is known for revitalizing the Western genre in Hollywood.
Why Kevin Costner Decided to Direct Dances With Wolves?
During the interview, he also shared why he decided to take on the directorial role for the 1990 blockbuster. The actor recalled going to “three really important directors,” all of whom refused to do the film and stated their respective issues with the story.
It was after these rejections that he thought, “You know, I think I should direct this.” As he further continued working on the film, he faced several challenges due to the constant failure of Western movies. It especially became a serious issue while raising money as studios were not interested in investing in Western movies anymore.
The movie was soon described as a gamble for Costner, who himself put in $3 million of his own to complete the film. Contrary to everyone’s expectations, Dances With Wolves would go on to become one of the most successful movies of Costner’s career.
The film grossed over $424 million at the box office, and Costner reportedly made $50 million from his directorial debut. The actor-director of the film won the Oscar for Best Picture and Best Director, and Michael Bay won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay among seven wins Oscars of the film.
Dances With Wolves is available on Prime Video.
