Kevin Costner said he was effectively prevented from starring in the 1988 American football drama Everybody’s All-American because negotiations with Warner Bros broke down. He described losing the role as “very painful”, but said the experience taught him the importance of having greater control over his future projects.

The film follows a college football star whose professional career falters before he turns to gambling and retires early; Dennis Quaid ultimately played the lead. At the time, Costner was building the successful run that included The Untouchables, No Way Out and Bull Durham, followed by major hits such as Dances with Wolves, JFK and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.