Kevin Costner Game Changing Words at ‘Yellowstone’ First Table Read

Yellowstone: a stoic cowboy staring into the distance, a determined hero standing his ground, or maybe even that timeless romance on a baseball field in Field of Dreams. What you don’t picture is Costner, a three-time Golden Globe winner and Hollywood legend, admitting he, well… scared. But that’s exactly what happened during the very first Yellowstone table read, as recalled by Denim Richards, who played ranch hand Colby Mayfield.

The cast of Yellowstone had gathered for their first table read. Everyone was excited, maybe a little jittery, but the room was buzzing with anticipation. After all, they were about to bring Taylor Sheridan’s ambitious vision of the Dutton family drama to life. And then, in walks Kevin Costner.

I’m Scared as Hell

Costner, who at the time was already a cinematic icon thanks to films like Dances with Wolves and The Bodyguard, could have easily leaned into his larger-than-life persona. Instead, he surprised everyone with a brutally honest and unexpectedly vulnerable message.

Richards, in an interview with The New York Post, revealed what happened next. “Everyone is getting ready to get up from the table read and go outside. Then Kevin walks in, and he’s this massive presence—but so humble,” Richards shared. “And then he says, ‘I don’t know about you guys, but I’m scared as hell. So why don’t we come together the best we can, and make this happen, and support each other.’”

Imagine that. One of Hollywood’s most accomplished actors admitting he’s nervous. The man who’s won Oscars for directing and starring in Dances with Wolves was now saying, “Hey, I’m in the same boat as you.”

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Richards described how Costner’s words immediately shifted the energy in the room. “You could feel the stress go out of the room,” he said. “It was a beautiful thing.”

And here’s the kicker: Whether or not Costner actually felt scared is still up for debate. As Richards put it, “This is an Oscar-winning legend… who knows if he was really scared? But it gave everyone an extra level of confidence. There was no hierarchy.”

The Anti-Hollywood Hierarchy

Let’s be honest. Hollywood is known for its egos, right? Stories about on-set diva behavior are almost a genre in themselves. But Costner’s humility set a tone for the cast and crew that has stuck with the show to this day.

Instead of pulling rank, Costner essentially said, “We’re all in this together.” It was like the high school quarterback turning to the rest of the team and saying, “I might fumble the ball, too. Let’s just make sure we don’t drop it at the same time.

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Richards wasn’t the only cast member to notice Costner’s down-to-earth attitude. Over the years, numerous Yellowstone actors have talked about how Costner’s approachability made the set feel more like a family than a workplace.

The Cowboy With a Sense of Humor

Let’s not forget: while Costner is known for his gravitas, he’s also got a sly sense of humor. He could have walked into that table read, cowboy hat tilted at the perfect angle, and said something dramatic like, “Let’s make television history, folks.” Instead, he admitted he was scared. It’s a little funny when you think about it—this big Hollywood star standing there, practically saying, “Guys, I’m kind of winging it here.”

You’ve got to love the mental image of the cast exchanging glances, like, “Wait, he’s nervous? If Kevin Costner’s scared, what does that mean for the rest of us?” It’s like hearing a seasoned chef admit they still get nervous cracking eggs.

A Lesson in Leadership

Costner’s message wasn’t just a morale booster—it was a masterclass in leadership. By acknowledging his vulnerability, he gave everyone else permission to do the same. It’s the kind of thing you’d read in a self-help book but rarely see in action, especially in an industry as cutthroat as entertainment.

It’s no wonder the Yellowstone cast has become so close over the years. From that very first table read, they were encouraged to lean on each other. And let’s face it: when you’re dealing with intense storylines, dramatic showdowns, and hours spent filming on horseback, a little camaraderie goes a long way.

Costner’s Farewell to Yellowstone

Fast forward to 2023, and Costner’s relationship with Yellowstone is taking a bittersweet turn. After dedicating years to bringing John Dutton to life, Costner announced he would not return for Season 5B or any future seasons.

In a heartfelt message to fans, he said, “It was something that really changed me. I loved it, and I know you loved it. But I won’t be returning.” Costner’s departure feels like the end of an era, not just for fans but for the cast and crew who looked up to him as their leader.

Why This Moment Matters

Richards’ story about that first table read sheds light on why Yellowstone resonated with so many viewers. It wasn’t just the sweeping landscapes or the nail-biting drama—it was the humanity behind the scenes.

Costner’s vulnerability set the stage for a series that feels raw, real, and relatable. Sure, most of us don’t own sprawling ranches or get into shootouts with land developers, but we do know what it’s like to be scared of a new challenge.

In a way, Costner’s message that day wasn’t just for the cast—it was for all of us. He reminded everyone that no matter how big the stakes are, you can face them with a little humility and a lot of teamwork.

The Takeaway

As Yellowstone rides off into the sunset, fans can take comfort in knowing that its success was built on a foundation of honesty, humility, and Kevin Costner’s surprisingly relatable admission: “I’m scared as hell.”

So, the next time you’re facing something daunting—whether it’s a new job, a big presentation, or even just trying to assemble IKEA furniture—remember Costner’s words. If an Oscar-winning legend can admit he’s nervous, so can you.