Kevin Costner wanted to direct SCHINDLER’S LIST and when he went to Steven Spielberg, Costner auditioned for the lead role

Kevin CostnerHis career has been dotted with a series of successful film and television roles. Some of the classics include Field of Dreams, The Untouchables, Dances with Wolvesand, more recently, the series Yellowstoneas well as the film saga of his passion project, Horizon.

Another film Costner would have liked to add to his resume was the 1993 Academy Award-winning Holocaust drama Schindler’s List.

When Costner read the script, he hoped to direct the film, but a deal was quickly reached whereby Steven Spielberg signed on to direct the epic. So the actor switched gears and made his offer to act instead.

In a recent interview on “The Howard Stern Show” (via /Film), Costner expressed his desire to be involved in the project. Like so many other films under his direction, Costner intended to both direct and star in the film, but Hollywood had different plans.

When asked if he thought he would have done a better job after seeing the final product, Costner confessed, “I didn’t say that about that because I didn’t feel like it. I thought he made so many good choices that follow”. black and white.”

However, even after being eliminated by Spielberg, Costner still wanted to be involved, which led to what he called “a humiliating story” and an audition that became quite personal.

He explained: “I went from wanting to direct it to wanting to act, to the point where I said ‘I’ll come audition for you, Steven.’ I probably put him in an incredibly awkward situation and he said, “Okay.”

A flight to New York later, and Costner was rehearsing the part of Oskar Schindler, completely in character, including the costumes.

“I put on a bald cap and looked like the guy and auditioned for him in his kitchen and ended up not being the right fit for him,” Costner said.

Even though it wasn’t the outcome he wanted, Costner obviously accepted Spielberg’s decision. Eventually the role was assigned Liam Neeson in what would become his greatest performance, and is still one of the greatest films of all time.

In the end it was clearly the right choice. Costner is a great actor, but I can’t imagine him playing Oskar Schindler. But at least Costner got to try, and never had to wonder what would happen if he threw his hat in the ring. As he said on “The Howard Stern Show,” “You have to try.”