Kevin Costner has shared the dramatic behind-the-scenes story of how he negotiated with former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner to film his 1999 sports film For Love of the Game at Yankee Stadium, despite the owner’s initial refusal. The incident occurred when Steinbrenner canceled the production after the Yankees lost in the film’s ending, prompting Costner to scramble to find a way to salvage the project. During a panel at Fanatics Fest 2025, hosted by former NFL star Michael Strahan, Costner recounted the tense moment when he realized the risk of losing the filming rights. He described how he found himself in a crisis, with the possibility of the production being scrapped, and had to quickly think of a way to convince Steinbrenner to allow the shoot to continue.
In his telling, Costner admitted he resorted to an unorthodox tactic, claiming he was “dead unless I say something” and even performed a dramatic “tap dance” to persuade Steinbrenner. The owner, known for his fiery temper, was initially resistant, but Costner managed to shift the conversation by emphasizing that the loss in the film was a “meaningless” game, vowing to honor the Yankees’ legacy. This pivotal negotiation allowed filming to proceed, and the film was completed. The real-life Yankees, however, went on to win the 1999 World Series, and Steinbrenner surprised Costner by presenting him with a special executive ring for the team’s championship win.
Costner also highlighted his leadership philosophy on set, drawing parallels between sports coaching and film directing. He described how he treats actors as “players on a team,” ensuring they understand the importance of discipline and accountability. He shared an anecdote about working with legendary actor Burt Lancaster on the 1989 film Field of Dreams, where Lancaster initially wanted to leave the set due to embarrassment but was convinced to stay by Costner, ultimately delivering one of his most iconic performances. These insights into his directing style and team management approach have resonated with fans and industry professionals, offering a deeper look into the often-overlooked challenges of Hollywood productions.