Kevin Costner Drops Out of Django Unchained

Posted by on September 16th, 2011   Filed under: Drama, Thriller, Western
Source: The Playlist

After assembling a pretty huge cast for his upcoming film Django Unchained, it appears that Quentin Tarantino is being forced to go back to the drawing board for at least one of the major roles. According to Variety writer Justin Kroll, Kevin Costner has turned down his role in the film. He was set to play Ace Woody, the right hand man of villainous plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Although a scheduling conflict is being cited as the reason for his departure, is it possible that he started to have second thoughts about playing the bad guy in a potentially controversial film?

It’s not clear what upcoming projects might be causing the conflict. We know that Costner is playing Jonathan Kent in Zack Snyder’s upcoming Man of Steel, but that doesn’t seem likely to be the culprit since it’s a pretty small role. His other upcoming projects include A Little War of Our Own (which he is directing), a comedy called Learning Italian and a History Channel TV series called Hatfields & McCoys. Would he really choose any of those projects over a star-studded Quentin Tarantino movie? It’s hard to say.

Costner previously played a serial killer in the 2007 thriller Mr. Brooks, so he’s not necessarily averse to taking on bad guy roles. Either way, it is unfortunate that we won’t get to see Costner work with Tarantino in the near future. Are you disappointed by this news? Who else would you like to see cast in his place?



  • fatbologna

    Bad choice on his part. He should’ve cancelled or shuffled whatever project was causing the conflict as this is a potential major comeback role for him. Maybe he doesn’t consider his career in any sort of trouble though. His lady fans, regardless of how long their teeth are, still seem to love him.

    Too bad, hopefully Tarantino finds someone even better for the role. Rutger Hauer? Michael Rooker?

  • It must be scheduling issues. No sane person would turn down a role like that.

  • No sane person….are we talking about the same Kevin Costner? Front man of Modern West right?

  • Kasper

    What a shame. Was looking forward to seeing Costner work with Tarantino. I like Costner.

  • to bad, I recently watched Waterworld and he does such a great job of being vicious/reluctant hero throughout much of that film. He would have been great as a evil sidekick.

  • swarez

    If he’s working on a project that he’s directing I think any self respecting filmmaker would choose his own project rather than a supporting role.

  • My vote is for Nic Cage

  • Steini

    Sad news, would have liked to see him in that movie. Although I agree with Gord Nic Cage would be awesome but the good Nic Cage please :D

  • patrik

    It´s the Cos loss.. Get Michael Parks in if he´s not already playing a role..