Kevin Costner was offered the lead in The Shawshank Redemption. He turned it down because he was committed to Waterworld. Shawshank became the highest-rated film in IMDb history. Waterworld became Hollywood's most expensive punchline.
Kevin Costner Turned Down The Shawshank Redemption. He Made Waterworld Instead.
Kevin Costner was offered the lead in The Shawshank Redemption. He passed because he was committed to Waterworld.
Shawshank became the highest-rated film in IMDb history with a 9.3 rating. Waterworld became one of Hollywood's most infamous cautionary tales \u2014 critics nicknamed it "Fishtar" and "Kevin's Gate."
While Waterworld eventually recouped its costs through international sales and home video, the reputational damage was done. Costner was far from the only actor to pass \u2014 Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp, and Nicolas Cage also turned it down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Kevin Costner really turn down Shawshank?
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Verified Fact
Confirmed via Wikipedia, IMDb. Costner was one of 6+ actors who passed. Waterworld eventually broke even but was a theatrical disaster.
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