Kevin Costner snagged his role in Yellowstone because he already had a deal with the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan. Back in 2018, this was a big comeback to TV for Costner.

Before this, he hadn’t had a major TV gig since Hatfields & McCoys, which scored him both a Golden Globe and an Emmy.

Besides starring in Yellowstone, Costner also served as an executive producer, allowing him to work closely with Sheridan, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter known for works like Hell or High Water.

Kevin Costner landing the role in Yellowstone came from a pact he and Sheridan made. They promised to team up on a project that would be a win-win for both of them.

Robert Redford is an iconic figure in Hollywood with a career spanning several decades. He is best known for his roles in classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, both of which solidified his status as a leading man in American cinema.

Redford’s charm and versatility in acting have made him a beloved figure. Beyond acting, he is also renowned for his directorial work, notably in Ordinary People, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Director.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Sheridan, eager to get the show greenlit, actually met with Redford, who agreed to take on the role. Imagine Sheridan’s excitement as he rushed to tell the producers the good news, only to be met with a surprising twist.

The producers had meant they wanted a “Robert Redford type,” not Redford himself. This mix-up left the door open for Costner to step in and make the role his own.

In the end, it seems like everything worked out for the best. Yellowstone has become a massive hit, and it’s hard to imagine the show without Costner’s commanding presence. It’s a classic case of a happy accident in Hollywood.