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As Oliver Stone’s 1986 war dramaPlatooncaptured the moral and political confusion of the Vietnam War in harrowing detail, the movie consistently got praised for its strong cast. But surprisingly, the 1986 drama almost came up with a totally different cast, featuring Kevin Costner.
However, the actor purposefully turned down the 1986 project that launched Johnny Depp’s career, for a noble cause. Thus, the role that Kevin Costner read for, eventually went toTom Berenger. But years later, Costner revealed his regret for rejecting the $138M Academy Award-winning movie.
Also read:“My opinion of Kevin as an actor hasn’t altered”: Taylor Sheridan Still Respects Kevin Costner as ‘Yellowstone’ Actor Allegedly Begged to Return After Leading the Show for 5 Years
Kevin Costner Turned Down The 1986 War DramaPlatoon
Oliver Stone’s 1986 filmPlatoonportrayed the harrowing details of the Vietnam War. The movie focused on how American soldiers fought and died in the jungles of Vietnam while dealing with the horrors of warfare and the immorality of world politics. Nonetheless, the director himself being a war veteran, wanted to portray the honest brutality of warfare.
Without shying away from portraying authenticity, Oliver Stone thus turned his 1986 movie into a semi-autobiography. Thereafter, willing to feature a stellar cast, the director initially approachedKevin Costnerto play the role of Staff Sergeant Barnes, who was later played byTom Berenger. However, Costner purposefully turned down the project with the fear of offending war veterans, like his own brother. Stone toldEntertainment Weekly:
“Costner passed on it, I believe, because his brother had been in Vietnam.”
Later on,Platoonbecame a widely acclaimed movie featuring Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen,Johnny Depp, Tom Berenger, and more. The 1986 film even won several Oscars and turned out to be a breakthrough opportunity for Depp. Launching thePirates of the Caribbeanactor’s career,Platoonturned into a cinematic spectacle.
Also read:Amid Epic Controversy, Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone Contract Reportedly Includes a “Moral Death” Clause That Show’s Creator Wanted to Violate
Kevin Costner Regrets Rejecting The Oscar-Winning Role
Years later, afterOliver Stone’s 1986 war dramaPlatoonbecame a renowned film with several Oscars, Kevin Costner reflected upon his decision to reject the movie. Although the actor purposefully turned down the offer for a noble cause, Costner admitted feeling regretful.
According toIMDb, Kevin Costner was offered the notable role of Staff Sergeant Barnes but the actor ended up rejecting the project for his brother. Unwilling to offend war veterans like his own brother, Costner ended up losing an Oscar-winning opportunity. Thereafter, the actor simply lived to regret it.
“The one role that I regret refusing. My brother Dan was a Marine in Vietnam and had a problem with Vietnam movies that show vets as wigged-out guys. He’s very proud that he came back, went to college, and has a family. In fact, Platoon was real and right. But my consciousness was with my brother.”
Nonetheless, despite rejectingPlatoon, Kevin Costner appeared in several other acclaimed projects and built his career. But certainly, Oliver Stone’s 1986 war drama was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Costner.
WatchPlatoonon Max.
Read more:“You stink, you’re terrible”: Director With 3 Oscars Told Jamie Foxx He Can’t Act, Called Him a Slave to Television
Source:Entertainment Weekly,IMDb
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3217
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
