Kevin Costner Almost Lost Out to Robin Williams for Iconic 'Field of Dreams' Role

Academy Award winner Kevin Costner reveals that Robin Williams was also in the running to play Ray Kinsella in the classic sports fantasy film "Field of Dreams."

In a recent interview with GQ magazine, Kevin Costner shared a fascinating revelation about the casting process for one of his most iconic roles. The Oscar-winning actor disclosed that the late comedy legend Robin Williams was initially considered to portray Ray Kinsella in the beloved 1989 sports fantasy flick "Field of Dreams."

Costner explained that he was initially hesitant about taking on the role, given Williams's immense popularity at the time. Williams had recently starred in the critically acclaimed "Dead Poets Society" and was rapidly ascending as a serious actor.

However, the director of "Field of Dreams," Phil Alden Robinson, had a different vision. Costner recalled, "I said, 'You know, Robin Williams is a big star, as big as you ever wanna get.' 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.'"

Costner's intuition proved to be spot-on. His performance as Ray Kinsella, a humble farmer who builds a baseball field in his cornfield after hearing voices, resonated deeply with audiences. The film has become an enduring classic, praised for its heartwarming themes and Costner's poignant portrayal.

The revelation that Williams was also considered for the role adds an intriguing layer to the film's legacy. Williams's comedic brilliance and quirky persona would have undoubtedly brought a different dimension to the character of Ray Kinsella. However, it is impossible to imagine anyone other than Costner inhabiting the role with such authenticity and emotional depth.

Throughout the filming process, Costner remained haunted by the weight of his character's journey. "When I read 'Field of Dreams' on a couch by myself, the first page was sweet. Somebody's talking to him in the corn," he recalled. "Okay, let's keep going, and it wound its way not to a gunfight or to a car chase or to a big fight. Its journey took you to a place where you look, and you saw your father."

"And this little movie in the corn got me all the way, and suddenly it wasn't a movie anymore, it was truth, and it was — 'I wish I could have said that in my life,'" Costner added.

The legacy of "Field of Dreams" extends far beyond its box office success and critical acclaim. It has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring countless adaptations and homages. Costner's portrayal of Ray Kinsella remains an enduring symbol of hope, redemption, and the power of dreams.

In the end, Costner's willingness to embrace the vulnerability and authenticity of the role cemented his status as a Hollywood legend. His performance in "Field of Dreams" is a timeless testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the enduring human spirit.