Kevin Costner is reportedly furious over a recent Hollywood Reporter profile that criticized his career, leading him to engage in deep-sea diving for sunken treasure and shop a television series on shipwreck exploration. This reaction comes amid ongoing professional challenges and financial struggles for the actor.
According to sources, Costner has been on a deep-sea diving binge in the Caribbean, where he recently discovered gold coins and emeralds from sunken treasure. He is now actively pitching a TV series that would document his adventures in finding shipwrecks around the world. However, no networks or studios have yet agreed to finance the project, citing his recent cold streak in Hollywood and the negative portrayal in the media. This endeavor represents a new direction for Costner as he seeks to revitalize his public image and career prospects.
The Hollywood Reporter profile, published earlier this month, alleged that Costner’s career has been marked by a series of unfortunate incidents, including feuds, walkouts, lawsuits, and financing fiascos. It described him as having a growing reputation for being ‘impossible,’ according to one former colleague. The article also detailed his exit from the hit series ‘Yellowstone’ and the struggles surrounding his ambitious four-part Western film series, ‘Horizon,’ which has faced significant setbacks in production and reception.
Costner has been facing substantial financial hurdles in getting the ‘Horizon’ franchise off the ground. To fund the projects, he reportedly mortgaged an unoccupied $60 million oceanfront property in Santa Barbara County. The first chapter of ‘Horizon’ flopped at the box office in 2024, and the second installment has no current release date, with parts three and four still seeking funding. His treasure hunting activities may be an attempt to generate additional revenue and secure backing for these ventures, highlighting the lengths he is willing to go to see his vision realized.
The actor has a longstanding interest in sea exploration, which adds context to his current pursuits. He previously teamed up with underwater archaeologist Alex Mirabal, whom he met while exploring a Portuguese shipwreck in Mozambique. The duo planned to start an exploration business together and visited the Castillo de la Real Fuerza Museum in Havana, Cuba, in March to tour its nautical archives, which include artifacts from 19th-century shipwrecks. This background suggests that Costner’s diving activities are not merely a reactionary move but part of a deeper passion.
The THR profile also highlighted an alleged physical altercation between Costner and his ‘Yellowstone’ co-star Wes Bentley during filming in Utah. The incident reportedly left another star, Kelly Reilly, in tears, and sources indicated that some cast members grew frustrated with Costner’s ‘diva-like’ demeanor on set. Representatives for Bentley confirmed the altercation but described it as a ‘work-related argument during an emotional and physically tough scene’ that was discussed and resolved. Costner’s character was killed off at the beginning of the fifth and final season of ‘Yellowstone,’ adding to the narrative of his tumultuous exit.
Reps for Costner declined to comment on the allegations in the THR piece and did not respond to requests for comment on the recent diving and TV series developments. This silence leaves many questions unanswered about his current state and future plans. Despite these challenges, Costner continues to pursue his passions, both in film and exploration, demonstrating resilience in the face of criticism.
Overall, Costner’s reaction to the critical profile underscores his determination to redefine his career and public image. Whether the shipwreck TV series gains traction or not, his activities highlight an ongoing effort to stay relevant and successful in the entertainment industry. The outcome of these endeavors could shape the next chapter of his legacy, as he navigates the complexities of Hollywood fame and personal ambition.