Kevin Costner Objected to His Likeness Being Used in a Violent Robin Hood Video Game

While Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves became one of Kevin Costner’s most memorable films, many fans may not know that the Oscar-winning actor had one specific concern about the movie’s video game adaptation.

During the development of the tie-in game, Costner was reportedly uncomfortable with the idea of his likeness being associated with graphic violence. Although the film featured plenty of action, the actor preferred that his on-screen image not be used in a way that emphasized violent gameplay.

According to those involved in the project, Costner’s concerns influenced the game’s presentation. Developers adjusted certain aspects of the title to ensure his character’s appearance would not be directly linked to the most violent moments, reflecting the actor’s desire to maintain a clear distinction between the film’s adventurous tone and the interactive experience.

Released in 1991, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was a major box office success and remains one of Costner’s most recognizable performances. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics at the time, the film earned a loyal following thanks to its sweeping adventure, memorable cast, and iconic soundtrack, including Bryan Adams’ chart-topping hit “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You.”

The behind-the-scenes story serves as an interesting reminder that actors can have a say in how their image is used beyond the big screen. In Costner’s case, it reflected a personal preference to avoid having his likeness closely associated with excessive violence in a video game adaptation.