Kevin Costner’s Breakout In This 1987 Classic Happened After Don Johnson Turned It Down (& Spielberg Helped Too)

Before he was a household name, Kevin Costner got his big acting break in 1987, but only after Don Johnson turned down the same role. Looking back, it’s hard to remember a time when Kevin Costner wasn’t one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Costner’s best films include some of the best Western movies ever made, some great dramas, and more than a few iconic sports movies. He’s been a superstar for decades now, and like every other superstar, he owes it all to a single breakthrough role. Unlike other actors, however, Costner almost didn’t get the part in his breakthrough movie.

Don Johnson was originally offered the role that turned Kevin Costner into a superstar, and that decision ended up having mixed results. Just nine years later, both Johnson and Costner appeared in their first and only movie together, the golf comedy Tin Cup. Costner was actually the main lead and romantic interest of Tin Cup, while Johnson took a supporting role as the movie’s main antagonist. If Don Johnson hadn’t turned down his chance to star in The Untouchables, however, the roles may have been reversed.