Kevin Costner has worn many hats: cowboy, lawman, filmmaker, and icon of the American West. But somewhere between the legend of Tombstone and the dynasty of Yellowstone, a quieter story unfolded—one that many fans missed. And oddly enough, it may have foreshadowed the public clash between Costner and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan.
Let’s rewind the reel and uncover how a failed Western project from the ’90s eerily mirrors Costner’s modern-day drama behind the scenes of one of TV’s biggest shows.
The Wild West of the 1990s
Tombstone vs. Wyatt Earp: The Rivalry Begins
Back in 1993, Hollywood found itself with two competing Westerns based on the same iconic figure: Wyatt Earp. One was the lean, fast-paced, and now-beloved Tombstone, starring Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer. The other? A more ambitious, sprawling epic simply titled Wyatt Earp, led by Kevin Costner.
Costner’s Ambition Took Center Stage
At the time, Costner was still riding high off Dances with Wolves. He wanted to do for Wyatt Earp what he’d done for frontier epics—make them bigger, deeper, and more historical. But that vision came at a price.
The Fallout of a Box Office Duel
Wyatt Earp Was Costner’s Passion Project—But It Bombed
Despite all the effort, Wyatt Earp underperformed both critically and financially. Many blamed its slow pacing and overly serious tone. Tombstone, by contrast, became a cult classic, beloved for its energy and quotable lines.
Costner’s Control Led to Fallout with Lawrence Kasdan
Behind the scenes, Costner reportedly clashed with director Lawrence Kasdan over the film’s direction. He even used his influence to block Tombstone’s wide release at one point. It was a clear example of how Costner, even decades ago, was willing to take total control—even if it alienated collaborators.
Sound familiar?
The Pattern That Kept Repeating
A Cowboy Who Doesn’t Like Sharing the Saddle
Over the years, Costner has earned a reputation for wanting creative control. And while that’s not uncommon in Hollywood, his insistence on calling the shots has caused more than a few behind-the-scenes storms.
From Wyatt Earp to Yellowstone: The Echoes of Ego
Fast forward to Yellowstone, and you start to see echoes of the same story. Costner helped turn the show into a cultural phenomenon. But as the series progressed, creative tensions between him and Taylor Sheridan began to boil.
Inside the Yellowstone Feud
What Went Wrong Between Costner and Sheridan?
Reports suggest the clash was over scheduling, screen time, and creative direction. Costner, focused on his own Western epic Horizon, allegedly wanted to limit his Yellowstone commitments. Sheridan, who writes every episode, reportedly bristled at Costner’s demands.
Two Alpha Cowboys, One Creative Range
Here’s the crux: Both men are visionaries. Both love Westerns. And both like control. Their working relationship, once strong, turned into a slow-burning feud—much like the dramatic tension in their own show.
The Tombstone Foreshadowing
Why Wyatt Earp Wasn’t Just a Flop—It Was a Warning Sign
Costner’s handling of Wyatt Earp showed a pattern of overreach. Instead of working within a team, he tried to dominate the narrative. The project’s downfall was a lesson in creative excess—but one that didn’t seem to stick.
Art Imitates Life: From Fictional Lawmen to Real-Life Power Struggles
Just as Wyatt Earp was haunted by his need to control law and order, Costner has been dogged by the same trait in Hollywood. The failed Western from the ’90s now reads like a prophecy of his issues with Sheridan decades later.
Why This All Matters Now
Horizon Is Costner’s New Passion Project
Now pouring his time, money, and energy into Horizon: An American Saga, Costner seems to be repeating the past—choosing creative independence over collaboration. Early box office numbers suggest the same fate as Wyatt Earp may await.
Sheridan, Meanwhile, Thrives Without Him
Sheridan continues expanding the Yellowstone universe—with or without Costner. New spinoffs, A-list stars, and more control over the narrative mean the franchise is moving forward, even if the original lead is left in the dust.
Hollywood Cowboys vs. Real-World Consequences
Legends Are Complicated
Costner isn’t a villain. He’s a passionate creator who’s made cinematic history. But his pattern of friction—when things don’t go exactly his way—is undeniable. Whether it was Wyatt Earp or Yellowstone, the tension often follows the same script.
Can There Be Redemption?
Absolutely. But it may take a dose of humility and a step back from always needing to lead the charge. Sometimes the best cowboys ride alongside others, not just ahead of them.
Conclusion
Kevin Costner’s failed attempt to replace Tombstone wasn’t just a box office misfire—it was a glimpse into a recurring pattern that came full circle decades later with his falling-out on Yellowstone. It’s a story of ambition, control, and the eternal clash between two strong creative minds.
As Costner forges ahead with Horizon and Taylor Sheridan expands his empire, one thing is clear: the Old West may be fictional, but the drama behind it is very, very real.
FAQs
1. What was Kevin Costner’s Tombstone replacement?
It was Wyatt Earp (1994), a film he starred in and co-produced as a more serious alternative to Tombstone.
2. Why did Wyatt Earp fail at the box office?
It was criticized for being too long, slow-paced, and lacking the energy that made Tombstone a fan favorite.
3. What is the feud between Kevin Costner and Taylor Sheridan about?
Reportedly, it involves disputes over scheduling, creative control, and Costner’s reduced availability due to his work on Horizon.
4. Is Kevin Costner leaving Yellowstone?
Yes, he’s expected to exit after season five, with plans to focus fully on his own Western film franchise.
5. Is Horizon: An American Saga connected to Yellowstone?
No. Horizon is a completely separate film project, directed and produced by Costner, and has no connection to Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe.
