Kevin Costner is enjoying a career renaissance playing John Dutton on “Yellowstone.” The show’s success over its first three seasons has led to renewed interest in “Dances with Wolves,” one of his earlier successes. He’s now taking to social media to promote the film as it recently became available on Netflix.
The Triumph of ‘Dances with Wolves’
Long before “Yellowstone,” Costner played 1st Lieutenant John J. Dunbar, a Union soldier, in 1990’s “Dances with Wolves.” Dunbar requests a transfer to the frontier after becoming an accidental hero during a Civil War battle. After arriving out West, he befriends the local Sioux Indians and drifts away from white culture. Eventually, he must choose whose side he is on as Union soldiers and the trappings of civilization begin closing down the wide-open spaces of the Western frontier.
The film was a financial and critical success for Costner, who was also its director. It made $184 million at the U.S. box office and $424 million total worldwide. Nominated for 12 Academy Awards, it won seven, including Best Director for Costner and Best Picture of the Year. In addition, its sympathetic portrayal of Native Americans led the Sioux Nation to make Costner an honorary member.
From ‘Dances with Wolves’ to ‘Yellowstone’
Costner’s career had its ups and downs after “Dances with Wolves.” He starred in the massive sci-fi flop “Waterworld” and other unsuccessful films. Some wondered if his career as a bankable box office draw was over. Still, he’d always had success with sports movies and Westerns, which let him explore his longtime interest in the West and U.S National Parks.
“Yellowstone” co-creators Tyler Sheridan and John Linson’s first casting decision was hiring Costner to play the Dutton family patriarch. While critics have mixed responses to the show, its fans have been loyal from the beginning. Filming for the fourth season recently finished and those episodes will reportedly begin airing this summer.
Nothing but Big Sky and “Yellowstone”
Like virtually everyone in the U.S. this past year, Costner spent much of it in lockdown with his family. He put the time to good use, as he discussed on the “Today” show, even writing a new song for his band.
And even if life hasn’t completely returned to normal, take time during one of those evenings at home everyone knows so well to Netflix and chill with “Dances with Wolves.”
