After beating Robin Williams to star in Field of Dreams, Kevin Costner is opening up about how the decision was made. Based on a 1982 book by W. P. Kinsella, the movie featured Costner as Ray Kinsella. Kinsella builds a baseball field that draws the ghosts of baseball players, including his late father in Field of Dreams‘ ending. It became a classic hit, earning $84 million on a budget of $15 million and inspiring the real-world MLB at Field of Dreams game.

The decision to cast Costner helped to ignite his career, which he is still grateful for. In an interview with GQ, he explained that he spoke with director Phil Alden Robinson about why he selected Costner over Williams. Robinson stated that Costner was better suited for the role, because he was less likely to naturally hear “voices in the corn“. Check out his full quote below:

There was an interesting thing ’cause Robin Williams, bless his heart, there was a moment when I asked the director, I said, “You know, Robin Williams is a big star, as big as you ever wanna get.” So when he picked me to do it, kind of over Robin Williams, ’cause it seems like a natural for Robin Williams, and he said, “I’m pretty sure that Robin Williams hears voices in the corn. I’m kind of sure that you don’t. They’re gonna end up believing you, Kevin, because they’re gonna see how it works.”

Choosing Kevin Costner For Field Of Dreams Was A Gamble

Kevin Costner Was Perfect For Field Of Dreams

Field of Dreams’ real-life location has had a lasting impact on baseball, which proved the refrain that “If you build it, he will come.” After all, countless players and fans have repeatedly returned to the real-world baseball field, constantly reinforcing that lesson. Yet, while it has earned a place in the popular consciousness, the decision to cast Costner could have hindered the movie. Robin Williams was a brilliant actor and performer who won many awards, including an Academy Award for Good Will Hunting. He easily could have brought audiences to theaters.

The reason for the decision to cast Costner was that Williams could likely hear voices, but Costner could not. This was likely a point made in jest, considering that Williams was a comedian often cast in absurdist roles, including as the lead character in Popeye. Robinson wanted to ensure that the movie would be taken seriously and likely failed to recognize that Williams had the talent to portray serious roles. After all, Robinson would spend much of his career in complicated and heavy roles, including in the exceptionally dark World’s Greatest Dad.

While Robinson may not have foreseen the progression of Williams’ career, the decision to cast Costner was still correct. Costner was still a relatively unknown actor, which helped make Ray Kinsella a more defining role for him. Costner is also known as a more serious character actor than Williams, who made his name in the sitcom Mork & Mindy. By starring Costner, it helped to ensure that no one would enter the movie expecting a comedy. Without that decision, Field of Dreams could be viewed very differently.

Source: GQ