In the early 1990s, Steven Spielberg undertook an enormous challenge: directing both Jurassic Park and Schindler’s List nearly simultaneously. The grueling schedule didn’t affect the quality of either film. The dinosaur-filled adventure became a sci-fi classic and a pioneer of CGI animation, while the Holocaust drama about a German industrialist saving Jewish lives earned Spielberg his first Academy Award for Best Director.
However, Spielberg wasn’t the only one interested in bringing Schindler’s story to the screen. None other than Kevin Costner—who had won an Oscar for his directorial debut Dances with Wolves in 1991—expressed his desire to take on the project. Although Costner was known for his affinity for Westerns, the true story from World War II captivated him so much that he wanted to follow up Dances with Wolves by both directing and starring in the film.
In a recent interview on Howard Stern’s radio show, Costner, now best known for his lead role in Yellowstone, which he left after its final season to focus on his passion project Horizon, reflected on losing the opportunity to direct Schindler’s List. When Stern asked if he thought he could have made a better film than Spielberg, Costner responded:
“I wouldn’t say that because I don’t feel that way. I think he made a lot of great choices, particularly with the black-and-white imagery.”
Costner also revealed that even after losing the chance to direct, he didn’t give up on being involved in the film, which led to a rather awkward moment. He recounted traveling to New York to audition for Spielberg:
“I told Steven I was coming for an audition. It probably put him in an awkward position, but he said, ‘Okay.’ I put on a bald wig to look like Schindler, and the audition took place right in Spielberg’s kitchen. In the end, the role didn’t go to me.”
Costner respected Spielberg’s decision and didn’t push the matter further. The role of Oskar Schindler ultimately went to Liam Neeson, whose performance earned him an Academy Award nomination.
While Costner may not have been part of the iconic film, his admiration for Spielberg’s work and the film’s legacy remains evident.
